October 5-11, 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. ALL IN: THE FIGHT FOR DEMOCRACY – DOCUMENTARY AND DISCUSSION
3. LIVING AS CHRISTIANS IN A TIME OF ANXIETY
4. YOGA – FREE WEEKLY ZOOM CLASS
5. VTGRAD2GRAD FIRESIDE CHAT
6. GLOBAL CONNECT SUPPORT GROUP
7. OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING (OPT) WORKSHOP
8. WHAT’S ON THE BALLOT: GERRYMANDERING AND REDISTRICTING IN VIRGINIA
9. WONDERING WHAT’S NEXT? GRADUATE & PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL FAIR
10. HUMP DAY HURDLE: HOW TO THINK MORE EFFECTIVELY IN A DIFFICULT
      SITUATION
11. OUR VOICE: SUPPORT GROUP FOR STUDENTS OF COLOR
12. FALL INTERFAITH DIALOGUES 
13. FEDERAL JOB SEARCH PANEL
14. BEAT STRESS WITH FREE GUIDED MEDIATION
15. VICE PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE WATCH PARTY
16. OMBUDS DAY 2020
17. DR. EVIE SHOCKLEY: “RUTGERS ENGLISH DIVERSITY INSTITUTE (REDI), PIPELINE 
      PROGRAMS, AND GRADUATE STUDIES: A DISCUSSION AND Q&A”
18. SUPPORT GROUP: EXPLORING PURPOSE & MEANING 
19. GLC CAFÉ
20. ITSA WILDCARD WORKSHOP: CREATING & PUBLISHING YOUR OWN INSTAGRAM AR FILTERS
21. WOMEN IN TRANSPORTATION GAME NIGHT
22. ELECTIONS IN THE TRUMP ERA – COMMUNITY FORUM WITH RACHEL BITECOFER
23. ALONE TOGETHER: A WORKSHOP ON LONLINESS FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS
24. SUPPORT GROUP FOR CHINESE STUDENTS
25. FACT CHECK YOUR VOTE

Administrative Announcements: 
26. INVITATION TO SHARE MOMENTS WHEN YOU HAVE FELT EXCLUDED AND 
      INCLUDED AT VT – 1st posting
27. WELCOME MESSAGE TO WOMEN GRADUATE STUDENTS – 1st posting
28. INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH HONOR SOCIETY FALL MEMBERSHIP
      APPLICATIONS – 1st posting
29. HOMECOMING CANDIDATE SHARES PLATFORM OF FOOD INSECURITY WITH GRAD
      STUDENTS – 1st posting
30. STUDENTS INVITED TO INTERVARSITY GRAD CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP ACTIVITIES 
       – 2nd posting
31. STUDENT FOCUS GROUP PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR MOSS ARTS CENTER – 2nd
      posting
32. TECH’S GIVING ORGANIZED BY GRADUATE STUDENTS – 2nd posting
33. HOKIE MOVEMENT CLUB – 2nd posting
34. CALLING ALL 2020 GSARS PRESENTERS & JUDGES – YOUR SWAG IS HERE! – 2nd posting
35. APPLICATIONS INVITED FOR GRAD HONOR SYSTEM CHAIR POSITION – 3rd posting

Jobs:  
None at this time

Volunteers and research participants sought: 
36. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED: RESEARCH STUDY – DRIVING SIMULATOR STUDY ON
      AUDITORY DISPLAYS AT RAIL CROSSINGS – 2nd posting
37. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR RESEARCH – Design and evaluation of novel
      sonic interactions for highly autonomous vehicles – 2nd posting

Upcoming Events: 
38. JUGGLING GRAD SCHOOL AND FAMILY CAREGIVING RESPONSIBILITIES DURING
      COVID-19 – Oct. 14/15
39. SPICE UP YOUR LIFE: HISTORY, SENSORY EVALUATION, AND PRACTICAL USES –
      Oct. 22
40. FROM HBCU TO PWI: HOW TO LEVERAGE LESSONS LEARNED FROM MY PREVIOUS
      INSTITUTION – Oct. 27

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, 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. ALL IN: THE FIGHT FOR DEMOCRACY – DOCUMENTARY AND DISCUSSION
Monday, October 5, 2-4pm, http://bit.ly/vewallin
Voting is a fundamental right that should be afforded to every American. However, voter suppression efforts run rampant throughout our system. Join VT Engage as we host a watch party for the ALL IN: The Fight for Democracy documentary. Afterwards we’ll host a discussion about the documentary and learn about different ways we can help end voter suppression. The discussion portion will start around 3:45 participants are able to join for just this portion too.

3. LIVING AS CHRISTIANS IN A TIME OF ANXIETY
Monday, October 5, 7:30pm, Zoom
Before becoming a prolific author of books like Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis experienced the trauma of war — serving as a soldier for England in WWI.  During and after the Second World War, Lewis wrote “Learning in Wartime” and “On Living in the Atomic Age,” both addressed to Christians struggling to live faithfully in anxious times.  Dr. Melody Green will share with us how C.S. Lewis might inform our perspective and shape the way we live in a time dominated by many forces which seem out of our control. Register HERE to receive a link.  

4. YOGA – FREE WEEKLY ZOOM CLASS
Tuesdays, 9am, Zoom
As the semester ramps up, it becomes increasingly important to re-connect with ourselves and to that place of inner peace that is always available to us no matter how far away it may seem. Join Warren Ji (G) each week as we move through a Hatha yoga class with the perfect balance between ease and effort. No prior yoga experience needed, all skill levels welcome. Namaste! https://virginiatech.zoom.us/j/7575938390 For questions email Warren at: wgeither@vt.edu

5. VTGRAD2GRAD FIRESIDE CHAT
Tuesday, October 6, 1-2pm, Zoom
The Office of Recruitment, Diversity, and Inclusion (ORDI) & the Asian Cultural Engagement Center (ACEC) presents VTGRAD2GRAD Fireside Chat-URM Student Experiences.  Are you a new or returning graduate student? Come learn, share, and discuss experiences of graduate students from Underrepresented/ Minoritized backgrounds. Register for the event at bit.ly/VTFireSideURM.

6. GLOBAL CONNECT SUPPORT GROUP
Tuesday, October 6, 3-4:30pm, Zoom
Global Connectis a support group (currently virtual) for Hokie international students and is open to both undergraduate and graduate students. We invite you to join a supportive and caring community sponsored by Cook Counseling Center and Cranwell International Center. Register here: bit.ly/3243Myw

7. OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING (OPT) WORKSHOP
Tuesday, October 6, 5-6pm, Zoom
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. Registration is required. Please go Optional Practical Training for F-1 Students information page to register. Future dates for this workshop are: Tuesday, October 20, 12-1pm; Thursday, November 5, 5-6pm.

8. WHAT’S ON THE BALLOT: GERRYMANDERING AND REDISTRICTING IN VIRGINIA
Tuesday, October 6, 6:30-8pm, http://bit.ly/VEWGerrymandering 
One of the biggest challenges facing our democracy today occurs before we even get to the ballot box, gerrymandering. Gerrymandering is when congressional district lines drawn by elected officials giving one political party an unfair advantage over another. This November, the Commonwealth of Virginia will decide by voting for or against Virginia Question 1, the redistricting commission amendment. Join VT Engage along with Dr. Nicholas Goerdert, Virginia Tech Political Science Department and Brian Cannon, Fair Maps Virginia as we explore the topic of ballot referendums, gerrymandering in the US, and what your vote means for Question 1 on the ballot. This event is a part of our National Voter Education events and is co-hosted by the Philosophy, Politics, and Economics Program at Virginia Tech.

9. WONDERING WHAT’S NEXT? GRADUATE & PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL FAIR
Wednesday, October 7, 10am-4pm, Online via Brazen
Explore your options and possible new career paths in graduate and professional school and meet with recruiters. This year, we are online, using the robust Brazen platform. No commitment, just information – and the event is free. Pre-registration is required. For further details and for registration, visit https://bit.ly/GPSF_2020


10. HUMP DAY HURDLE: HOW TO THINK MORE EFFECTIVELY IN A DIFFICULT SITUATION

Wednesday, October 7, 3-3:30pm, Zoom
Zoom Link to Attend: https://virginiatech-hipaa.zoom.us/j/95692224288
More information can be found at: https://ucc.vt.edu/content/dam/ucc_vt_edu/self_help_support_stategies/Flyer_HumpDayHurdle_DBT2.pdf

11. OUR VOICE: SUPPORT GROUP FOR STUDENTS OF COLOR
Wednesday, October 7, 5-6:30pm, Zoom
Zoom Link to Attend: https://virginiatech-hipaa.zoom.us/j/6480495754
More information can be found at: https://ucc.vt.edu/content/dam/ucc_vt_edu/self_help_support_stategies/OurVoiceFall2020Update.pdf


12. 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. 

13. FEDERAL JOB SEARCH PANEL
Wednesday, October 7, 6-7:30pm
Four federal agency representatives will be discussing various government jobs and application tips for positions of interest.  The agencies participating in this panel include the FBI, NSA, USDA and EPA. Attendees are encouraged to come with any questions they might have about a career in the federal government or the application process or submit questions prior to the panel. This panel will be hosted on Zoom, with the link available only to those who pre-register through Handshake.  Register here: https://app.joinhandshake.com/events/568605

14. BEAT STRESS WITH FREE GUIDED MEDIATION
Wednesdays, 6pm, 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. Register here to receive a meeting invite: https://tiny.cc/vtmeditates

15. VICE PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE WATCH PARTY
Wednesday, October 7, 9pm, http://bit.ly/HokiesVoteDebates
VT Engage will be hosting presidential and vice presidential virtual debate watch parties! These spaces will be for students who want to engage in the debates with one another in a fun and non-partisan way. We have follow up conversations for folx who want to debrief the debate as people are interested.

16. OMBUDS DAY 2020
Thursday, October 8, 11am-1pm and 2-4pm, Online
The Ombudsperson for the Graduate School is excited to promote the role of the ombuds for Ombuds Day 2020 (https://www.ombudsassociation.org/annual-ombuds-day) You may stop in and learn about the role of the ombuds during a Virtual Open House from 2-4pm: https://virginiatech.zoom.us/j/3429120142 (No registration required). You are also invited to a panel discussion focused on how this role fits within an organizational system. The panel will take place 11am-1pm, registration required: http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07ehbpi5sd24c92127&llr=fbmwvrpab If you have questions contact Bryan Hanson, bryanh76@vt.edu.

17. DR. EVIE SHOCKLEY: “RUTGERS ENGLISH DIVERSITY INSTITUTE (REDI), PIPELINE PROGRAMS, AND GRADUATE STUDIES: A DISCUSSION AND Q&A”
Thursday, October 8, 1:30pm, Zoom
 Dr. Evie Shockley will be visiting us virtually to share on “Rutgers English Diversity Institute (REDI), Pipeline Programs, and Graduate Studies: A Discussion and Q&A,” hosted by Shaila Mehra (CLAHS Assistant Dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion).This event may be of value to underrepresented/underserved students with declared interest (or promise) in English/humanities graduate studies. https://virginiatech.zoom.us/j/96789742049?pwd=c3J0MEdYWXVGME5iRUVZdW5FQmkwdz09 ( full Zoom meeting details). Meeting ID: 967 8974 2049 and Passcode: 930036. For questions or more info, email Evan Lavender-Smith at els@vt.edu

18. 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. 

19. GLC CAFÉ
Thursday, October 8, 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.

20. ITSA WILDCARD WORKSHOP: CREATING & PUBLISHING YOUR OWN INSTAGRAM AR FILTERS
Thursday, October 8, 6-7pm, Zoom
Have you ever wondered how face filters in Instagram are made? Do you want to create and publish a filter to share with friends, or promote your organization? Join us to learn how! Led by Mingyu Li, the workshop will walk you through creating a tap-to-change filter with the free software Spark AR Studio. The event is pay-what-you-can with a suggested donation of $5 to the Instructional Technology Student Association (ITSA). | Register for Zoom details. | Donate to ITSA. | Questions? Contact Ginny Clark at vclark@vt.edu.

21. WOMEN IN TRANSPORTATION GAME NIGHT
Thursday, October 8, 6:30pm, Zoom
If you are interested in transportation, consider joining women in transportation (all are welcome)! We are having our second meeting of the semester and would love to meet anyone interested in joining. We will be discussing current events in transportation, and having a game night via zoom! Please email Eileen at wts-at-virginia-tech@googlegroups.com  join the google group at https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/wts-at-virginia-tech/join.

22. ELECTIONS IN THE TRUMP ERA – COMMUNITY FORUM WITH RACHEL BITECOFER
Thursday, October 8, 7-8:30pm,  https://bit.ly/LWVMCFallForum 
Co-Sponsored with the League of Women Voters, Life Long Learning Institute at Virginia Tech and the Montgomery County-Radford City-Floyd County Branch of the NAACP. Nationally recognized political analyst and elections forecaster, Rachel Bitecofer will speak at this forum organized by the League of Women Voters of Montgomery County. At a time when American elections have become increasingly nationalized and highly predictable, Bitecofer analyzes how partisanship serving as an identity-based, dominant vote determinant for all but a small portion of Americans. Bitecofer is a senior fellow at the Niskanen Center in Washington DC with a specialization in elections. She conducts survey research and elections analysis that has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, USA Today and on NPR. Her innovative election forecasting model predicted the 2018 midterms five months before Election Day, far ahead of other forecasting methods. Virginia Tech students and faculty and community members are invited to attend the forum by registering at bit.ly/LWVMCFallForum Those who register for the forum will receive an email with the Zoom link a week before the event.

23. ALONE TOGETHER: A WORKSHOP ON LONLINESS FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS
Friday, October 9, 12pm, Zoom
Have you been dealing with feelings of loneliness as a graduate student? Did you move to Blacksburg to start a graduate program you were excited about, and ended up moving in a pandemic that has made it very difficult to meet new people? Have feelings of isolation increased, and been more difficult to manage? We’re here to help! Attend this event to hear from other graduate students about the experiences with loneliness, connect with others going through something similar, and get some tips about how to connect with others and build relationships as a graduate student in a pandemic. Sign-up here: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_difSIb5t9RZUI0l

24. SUPPORT GROUP FOR CHINESE STUDENTS
Friday, October 9, 1-2:30pm, Zoom  
Registration Link: https://tinyurl.com/y8685vgm More info can be found at https://ucc.vt.edu/content/dam/ucc_vt_edu/self_help_support_stategies/SupportgroupforChinesestudentsFall2020.pdf

25. FACT CHECK YOUR VOTE
Friday, October 9, 1-2pm, https://calendar.lib.vt.edu/event/7132390 Are you ready for Election Day? In this workshop, we’ll help you navigate political news, know your ballot, and fact-check claims so that you can be informed and prepared to cast your vote. This event is offered as a part of the National Voter Education week events. Check out engage.vt.edu for more events during the week. Sign up for this session: https://calendar.lib.vt.edu/event/7132390 This event is hosted by the University Libraries at Virginia Tech in partnership with VT Engage: The Center for Leadership and Service Learning for National Voter Education Week.

26. INVITATION TO SHARE MOMENTS WHEN YOU HAVE FELT EXCLUDED AND INCLUDED AT VT – 1st posting
Help VT become more inclusive and welcoming by making yourself heard! We would like to invite you to join in our initiative to share moments, both big and small, when you have felt included and excluded. To participate and/or to share your thoughts, please use this form: https://forms.gle/PD1DqEoCM6rxFDTt7. We will reach out to you at the end of the week and invite you to further the conversation. If you want more information or have any questions, please feel free to contact Aakash at aakashg@vt.edu. This project is part of the Graduate School Diversity Scholar program.

27. WELCOME MESSAGE TO WOMEN GRADUATE STUDENTS
For the past 15 years, the Women’s Center, AdvanceVT, the Graduate School, the Women’s and Gender Studies program, and the VT Women’s Alliance and Caucus have hosted a Welcome Reception for New Women Colleagues.  This annual tradition is an informal opportunity for new women faculty, staff and graduate students to gather as a community, begin forging connections and networks, and share resource information.  This year we are sad to miss the opportunity to welcome our new colleagues in person, but we have created a virtual welcome and collected helpful resources for you all in one place: https://www.womenscenter.vt.edu/Support/ColleagueWelcome.html.

28. INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH HONOR SOCIETY FALL MEMBERSHIP APPLICATIONS – 1st posting
Do you do Interdisciplinary Research? Join other researchers and a wide network of alumni by applying to the Interdisciplinary Research Honors Society, Iota Delta Rho (or IDR). We foster interdisciplinary research and networking here at Virginia Tech and out in the real world. Applications are open until November 30. Apply here:  https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_blTeV21TJGIFISV 

29. HOMECOMING CANDIDATE SHARES PLATFORM OF FOOD INSECURITY WITH GRAD STUDENTS – 1st posting
Grace Stevens, candidate for Homecoming Royalty, is running on the platform SHARE with Stevens in an effort to bring awareness to the impact of food insecurity on graduate and undergraduate students at Virginia Tech.  Her statement: “Graduate students are more aversely affected than undergraduate students – 35% of graduate students are food insecure, as opposed to 29% of undergraduate students. With many graduate student contracts prohibiting second jobs and stipends which may fail to cover the cost of living in the Blacksburg area, graduate students are more likely to be food insecure, with over 2,400 graduate students who lack fundamental access to affordable or nutritious food on our campus. As a result, my campaign aims to educate both our undergraduate and graduate student populations on how food insecure affects Hokies from all different backgrounds: not only in terms of race or income, but also across colleges and even degree programs. Virginia Tech fails to offer adequate resources to address the problem, as we are the only school in the ACC without an on-campus food pantry. My campaign aims to change that by advocating for Virginia Tech’s very own food pantry for dried and canned goods. If you would like to learn more about food insecurity and the mission of the campaign, follow the campaign on Instagram or like us on Facebook at @sharewithstevens. Voting will occur from 10/12 to 10/16 on GobblerConnect (gobblerconnect.vt.edu) and each student will be able to vote for three candidates. Please consider supporting our fellow food insecure Hokies by supporting SHARE with Stevens during Homecoming 2020!”

30. STUDENTS INVITED TO INTERVARSITY GRAD CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP ACTIVITIES – 2nd posting
Intervarsity Graduate Christian Fellowship (GCF) invites you to our weekly activities for the semester. To learn more visit www.gcfvt.org or call 540-577-7815.

31. STUDENT FOCUS GROUP PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR MOSS ARTS CENTER – 2nd posting
The Moss Arts Center invites you to participate in a student focus group to help us better understand the impact of our virtual programming. Students who participate will be required to attend at least three (3), 1-hour virtual programming offerings this semester, all of which are free admission. This can be from our HomeStage streamed performance series, virtual class visits, or gallery video tours, to name a few options. Following this, participants will attend one (1), 1-hour facilitated focus group over Zoom to answer a few questions about their experience with our virtual programming. All focus group participants will be given a $10 Amazon gift card. If you would like to participate or have any questions, please fill out this form:  https://forms.gle/qfPck9nxgSUJqC9c8 

32. TECH’S GIVING ORGANIZED BY GRADUATE STUDENTS – 2nd posting
A group of students from the Leadership in Architecture, Engineering and Construction class is trying plan an event for students who won’t be able to go home for the holidays. The purpose of the survey is to estimate how many people would be interested in participating. Fill out the survey here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeLtnpzeE9XkPiWoApz6hMTILrealWIyeLkQ3e-qgQyS_g_Hw/viewform contact Paulo Ignacio Jr at paulo@vt.edu if you have questions.

33. HOKIE MOVEMENT CLUB – 2nd posting
If you’re looking for motivation to move this semester, Rec Sports is here to help! Virginia Tech students near and far are invited to join the Hokie Movement Club. Members will record their workouts and engage virtually through a free exercise app called Strava. Using Strava will allow students to log workouts, encourage each other, and compete in Rec Sports led incentive challenges throughout the fall semester. Hokie Movement Club members will receive a weekly email that sends encouragement, explains the weekly challenge, and will announce the prize winners from the previous week. Prizes will vary but will include JBL Waterproof portable bluetooth speakers, Apple Airpods, Rec Sports group exercise classes and more.  All skill and ability levels are encouraged to join. Students that sign up before October 7th will receive a brand new Hokie Movement T-shirt. If you are interested, click here to sign up. Once you fill out the short interest form, you will receive a welcome email with step-by-step instructions on downloading the free version of the Strava app, joining the club within the app, and Hokie Movement t-shirt pickup instructions. The first challenge begins on October 7th. Challenges will vary and can be as simple as logging exercise of any kind 3 days out of the week. Sign up today.

34. CALLING ALL 2020 GSARS PRESENTERS & JUDGES – YOUR SWAG IS HERE! – 2nd posting
Finally! We have the t-shirts and reusable cups that we were going to give you this past Spring. While COVID may have messed up our plans for distribution, we are nothing if not determined to get these things out of the apartment. Please use this link to schedule your date/time. https://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/0/selfsched?sstoken=UVBPaWVQYkpNOWZtfGRlZmF1bHR8NGE1Y2M2NjkwODlhYTdiNGE3YjMzMGJmYTVmNmZjYjU (Select a GSARS timeslot).

35. APPLICATIONS INVITED FOR GRAD HONOR SYSTEM CHAIR POSITION – 3rd 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.  

36. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED: RESEARCH STUDY – DRIVING SIMULATOR STUDY ON AUDITORY DISPLAYS AT RAIL CROSSINGS2nd posting
The Mind Music and Machine Lab at Virginia Tech is seeking individuals to participate in a study to determine the effects of in-vehicle auditory alerts on driver behaviors at Highway-Rail Grade Crossings (HRGCs) on driver response. During the study, you will be asked to drive in a driving simulator environment and react to in-vehicle alerts when approaching rail crossings. This project protocol was reviewed by the Virginia Tech Human Research Protections Program (#19-643). The eligibilities are 1) active driver with a valid license, 2) age 18+ with good health, and 3) normal vision and hearing. The study will last approximately one hour. Each participant will receive a compensation of $10 for participation. For more information, please contact Chihab Nadri (cnadri@vt.edu). This study is being conducted under the supervision of Dr. Myounghoon Jeon (myounghoonjeon@vt.edu).

37. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR RESEARCH – Design and evaluation of novel sonic interactions for highly autonomous vehicles – 2nd posting
We are recruiting volunteers for the Mind Music Machine Lab’s study in “Design and Evaluation of Novel Sonic Interactions for Highly Autonomous Vehicles”. During the study, you will be conducting the simulated driving tasks with secondary tasks. This project protocol was reviewed by the Virginia Tech Human Research Protections Program (#20-252).The eligibilities are 1) active driver with a valid license, 2) age 18+ with good health, and 3) normal vision and hearing. The study should take about 1 hour, and you will receive $10 compensation. Participation in this research study is voluntary and confidential. There is a risk of induced motion sickness when using a driving simulator. If you are susceptible to severe motion sickness, migraines, dizziness or blurred vision, or are pregnant, then you should not volunteer. If you are interested in more information, please contact Chihab Nadri (cnadri@vt.edu).This study is being conducted under the supervision of Dr. Myounghoon Jeon (myounghoonjeon@vt.edu).  

38. JUGGLING GRAD SCHOOL AND FAMILY CAREGIVING RESPONSIBILITIES DURING COVID-19
Wednesday, October 14, 2pm or Thursday, October 15, 10am, Zoom
Dean Karen DePauw and Christine Smith of the Women’s Center invite any graduate students who are currently trying to manage graduate school and caregiving responsibilities for children, aging parents and/or other family members to join them in discussion during two open Zoom sessions.  These are intended to be open discussions to share current information and resources, support one another, and address the additional concerns caused by Covid-19. Registration links and discussion times: Wednesday, October 14 at 2:00 pm https://virginiatech.zoom.us/s/309707943; Thursday, October 15 at 10:00 am
https://virginiatech.zoom.us/s/98287900691 Dean DePauw, in a joint effort with Vice Provost Jack Finney and Vice President Bryan Garey, would also like to invite caregivers to complete the following survey, which will allow for better resource development. The survey will be available through Friday, October 23. https://www.provost.vt.edu/content/provost_vt_edu/en/announcements/caregiving-responsibilities-survey.html

39. SPICE UP YOUR LIFE: HISTORY, SENSORY EVALUATION, AND PRACTICAL USES
Thursday, Oct 22, 12:00-1:00pm by zoom
With the help of Dr. Sean O’Keefe and PhD candidate Renata Carneiro (Department of Food Science and Technology), learn about the history of some spices, food extinctions, and the sensory evaluation process; test your ability to identify spices and describe their characteristics; have your questions answered by food scientists. Registrants will be provided a kit and Zoom information in advance so that they can participate in the sensory experience and discussion. Space is limited, registration required by Oct 15 at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_dpbFJfzXvOMn8LH

40. FROM HBCU TO PWI: HOW TO LEVERAGE LESSONS LEARNED FROM MY PREVIOUS INSTITUTION
Tuesday, October 27, 4-5pm, Zoom
We would like to invite you to join us for our next connect event supporting students from historically black colleges and universities and minority serving institutions with Dr. Brian Moseley, Learning Technology & Development Manager, Enterprise Learning and Development, Duke Energy. All are invited to join us and attend. Please register at  https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0q71yb2Pj8Dl2IZ by October 26 to receive the Zoom link. For accommodations, please contact ordi@vt.edu at least 72 hours in advance of the event.