October 26-November 1, 2020

This Week’s Events: 

0. Ongoing Services – updated 9/21/20 

1. ASIAN PACIFIC ISLANDER DESI AMERICAN (APIDA) CAUCUS SOCIAL LUNCH HOURS
2. FROM HBCU TO PWI: HOW TO LEVERAGE LESSONS LEARNED FROM MY PREVIOUS
INSTITUTION
3. STUDENT AFFAIRS 101
4. UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL: PANEL DISCUSSION WITH GRAD ALUMNI IN INDUSTRY
5. GETTING UNSTUCK – WORKSHOP WITH COOK COUNSELING CENTER
6. GLC CAFÉ: DIA DE LOS MUERTOS TRIVA EDITION
7. INTERFAITH COOPERATION & CIVIL RIGHTS – DEAN OF STUDENTS OFFICE
8. “THREE SISTERS DRESSED IN BLACK” AT THE LYRIC
9. PUMPKIN FUN WITH THE GRADUATE SCHOOL
10. LIBRARY VIRTUAL GAME NIGHT
11. VIRTUAL COOKING WORKSHOP WITH TSA

Administrative Announcements: 
12. GRADUATE STUDENT ASSEMBLY BUY BLACKSBURG INITIATIVE – 1st posting
13. LITTLE HOKIE HANGOUT SPRING 2021 ENROLLMENT IS OPEN – 1st posting
14. GSA TRAVEL FUND SPRING CYCLE ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS – 1st posting
15. GRADUATE STUDENT INPUT NEEDED—VIRGINIA TECH WOMEN’S ALLIANCE CONVERSATIONS – 1st posting
16. INVITATION FOR ASIAN PACIFIC ISLANDER DESI AMERICAN GRADUATE STUDENTS TO SHARE THEIR MENTORING EXPERIENCE – 1st posting
17. EDWARD BOUCHET HONOR SOCIETY NOMINATION PERIOD OPEN – 1st posting
18. APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR JEAN B. DUERR MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP – 1st posting
19. GRADUATE COMMUNITY MURAL – MORE ARTISTS NEEDED – 1st posting
20. STUDENTS NEEDED FOR FOCUS GROUP WITH BOARD OF VISITORS – 2nd posting
21. PROCLAMATION SIGNING –“I ASK” FOR CONSENT – 2nd posting
22. LITTLE HOKIE HAND-ME-DOWN ACCEPTING DONATIONS –3rd posting
23. MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCE FOR VIRGINIANS – 2nd posting

Jobs:  
24. GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIP OPPORTUNITY FOR SPRING 2021 – 2nd posting

Volunteers and research participants sought: 
25. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED: RESEARCH STUDY ON EFFECTS OF IN-VEHICLE AGENT LANGUAGE IN SELF-DRIVING CARS – 1st posting
26. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR REMOTE AUGMENTED REALITY USER STUDY – 2nd posting
27. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR AUGMENTED REALITY VIRTUAL MONITORS STUDY – 2nd posting
28. PARENTS AND THEIR 7-11-YEAR-OLD CHILDREN NEEDED FOR RESEARCH STUDY – 3rd posting
29. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED: RESEARCH STUDY – COMPUTATIONAL THINKING PRACTICE – 3rd posting

Upcoming Events: 
30. ONE HEALTH WEBINAR SERIES: THE ROLE OF BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH IN DEVELOPING THERAPEUTICS FOR COVID-19 – Nov. 2
31. ONE HEALTH WEBINAR SERIES: THE TOLL OF COVID-10 ON ESSENTIAL MEDICAL, VETERINARY AND PUBLIC HEALTH PROFESSIONALS – Nov. 3
32. INSTITUTIONAL REVIEW BOARD (IRB) 101 – Nov. 4
33. ONE HEALTH WEBINAR SERIES: COVID-19’S IMPACT ON ORGANIZATIONS WORKING WITH VULNERABLE POPULATIONS – Nov. 4
34. “HEAVEN: I TOURED THERE” TWO-DAY WEBINAR – Nov. 4 & 18
35. OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING (OPT) WORKSHOP – Nov. 5
36. GRADUATE STUDENT GENERAL ASSEMBLY MEETING – Nov. 5
37. ANNUAL ONE HEALTH CASE COMPETITION – Nov. 7
38. INSTITUTIONAL REVIEW BOARD (IRB) LIVE Q&A – Nov. 11
39. ITSA WILDCARD WORKSHOP: BEGINNING ARABIC – Nov. 12
40. DANCE OF NATIONS – Nov. 12
41. WHEN HOME IS UNATTAINABLE, WHAT REPLACES IT? PUBLIC LECTURE AND PANEL FEATURING ALIA MALEK – Nov. 13
42.  MOVING BEYOND OUR INFORMATION SILOS – DEAN OF STUDENTS OFFICE – Nov. 13

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 gradstudentombud@vt.edu, 540-231-9573  

1. ASIAN PACIFIC ISLANDER DESI AMERICAN (APIDA) CAUCUS SOCIAL LUNCH HOURS
Tuesday, October 27 and November 10, 12:30-1:30pm, Zoom
Come and join the APIDA Caucus for virtual lunch hours where APIDA (Asian Pacific Islander Desi American) community members and their allies can socialize and network! All faculty, staff, students, and community members are welcome. Lunch hours are Tuesday’s 12:30pm – 1:30pm on 10/27, 11/10, 12/1, and 12/15 this semester. Register here: https://bit.ly/3odS26V. Please contact hxc419@vt.edu with any questions.

2. FROM HBCU TO PWI: HOW TO LEVERAGE LESSONS LEARNED FROM MY PREVIOUS INSTITUTION
Tuesday, October 27, 4-5pm, Zoom
Join 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 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.

3. STUDENT AFFAIRS 101
Tuesday, October 27, 4-5pm
Careers in Student Affairs Month is a time to celebrate the field of Student Affairs! This includes those who work in Housing and Residence Life, Cook Counseling, Rec Sports, VT Engage, Student Conduct, and more! Student Affairs 101 will consist of a discussion of the historical context of the field, trends in Student Affairs, current theories and philosophies, and a time to ask questions about the field and student development. Register here: https://baseline.campuslabs.com/vpiasu/csam20

4. UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL: PANEL DISCUSSION WITH GRAD ALUMNI IN INDUSTRY
Tuesday, October 27, 5:30-7pm, Zoom
Doctoral students interested in careers in industry are invited to a panel discussion with grad alumni working in industry. Please register by 4:00pm on Tuesday, Oct 27 at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eqWZDbPD0juLUPP and a zoom link will be emailed to you. See panelist bios at https://graduateschool.vt.edu/content/dam/graduateschool_vt_edu/gsso/AlumniPanel2.pdf.

5. GETTING UNSTUCK – WORKSHOP WITH COOK COUNSELING CENTER
Thursdays, October 29, November 5 and 12, 3:30-4:30pm, Zoom
This three session workshop focuses on cognitive behavioral therapy skills for depression. Please intend to be present at all three sessions if you sign up. This workshop will be hosted via Zoom. You will receive an email with the information to log into the Zoom meeting 24 hours prior to the sessions. Attendance is limited to those who have registered;
Register at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4NpiPg10Q4jDbSZ

6. GLC CAFÉ: DIA DE LOS MUERTOS TRIVA EDITION
Thursday, October 29, 4:00pm, 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 and the occasional game. If you have questions or concerns about this event, email Monika Gibson at gibsonm@vt.edu.

7. INTERFAITH COOPERATION & CIVIL RIGHTS – DEAN OF STUDENTS OFFICE
Thursdays, October 29, November 5, & 12, 5:00-6:00pm, Zoom
Join us for a 4-session series on Interfaith Cooperation & Civil Rights. The curriculum explores the connections between interfaith cooperation and the historic movement for civil rights in the U.S. context. RSVP at dos.vt.edu/weareeachothers  Open for students, faculty, staff & community members.

8. “THREE SISTERS DRESSED IN BLACK” AT THE LYRIC
Thursday, October 29, 7:30pm, The Lyric Theatre or online
The Lyric Theatre and New River Stage is hosting “Three Sisters Dressed in Black”, a Christiansburg true crime mystery by Anna Bond. The GLC Fellows encourage you to meet at The Lyric to view this play or watch it live. Let the GLC Fellows know if you plan to attend and find out more information here: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3lTX0GPJmDDJ8jj

9. PUMPKIN FUN WITH THE GRADUATE SCHOOL
Friday, October 30, 4pm, Blacksburg Campus
Have you decorated a pumpkin before? Would you like to gather with other graduate students in an outdoor and socially distanced location (with masks required)? We invite you to join us for this relaxing pumpkin decoration event. Please register at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3aAWJC9CCp2Pcod . Campus location and additional details will be provided after registration. If weather doesn’t permit an outdoor activity, details will be provided for grab and go kits. Spaces are limited. For questions, email grads@vt.edu

10. LIBRARY VIRTUAL GAME NIGHT
Friday, October 30, 5pm-midnight
This semester library game night is going virtual! Join us for tabletop RPGs, board games, and panels–all safely online! And make sure to catch the premier of the library’s new D&D Twitch stream, The Role of Play, including a live chat with the DM and players. You can find more information and register here: https://calendar.lib.vt.edu/calendar/events/virtual-game-night  If you have any questions or concerns about the event, please email Alex Krasner (akrasner@vt.edu) and include “[Game Night]” in the subject.


11. VIRTUAL COOKING WORKSHOP WITH TSA
Saturday, October 31, 1-2 PM, Zoom
Do you have a sweet tooth? Do you like homemade desserts? Turkish Student Association (TSA) is pleased to announce the first Virtual Turkish Cooking Workshop. Join us to learn how to make a delicious Baklava in an hour! Please fill out the Google Form to sign up for the workshop, and we will send you the Zoom meeting link & preparation details. For any questions, please contact us at tsavirginiatech@gmail.com.


12. GRADUATE STUDENT ASSEMBLY BUY BLACKSBURG INITIATIVE – 1st posting

The Graduate Student Assembly is committed to supporting you, and to supporting our surrounding communities. To this end, we are partnering with local businesses, each of which is offering a discount to our GSA members. Our first three partners are the Hethwood Market, the Blacksburg Farmers Market, and Glade Road Growing. To take advantage of their special offers, however, you MUST display our sticker on your HokieP. Stop by the GLC to pick yours up today! For more details, see our webpage at http://bit.ly/GSA_Buy_Blacksburg


13. LITTLE HOKIE HANGOUT SPRING 2021 ENROLLMENT IS OPEN – 1st posting
Little Hokie Hangout is now accepting enrollment applications for Spring 2021. Preference for enrollment will go to current and former LHH families through Thanksgiving. After Thanksgiving break, enrollment will be open to all interested families. Complete the enrollment form here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSchm4dz7A1aWZhnB6g_oEcb12XMguKrBD_dv9bVv0v71oSwnw/viewform
 

14. GSA TRAVEL FUND FALL CYCLE ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS – 1st posting
Have you presented or plan to present at a conference between July 1and December 31, 2020? The VT GSA “Travel: Fund Program (TFP) will partially support the monetary costs associated with presenting at virtual conferences including registration and abstract fees. The Fall cycle application will be open beginning October 26th.  The deadline for application is November 13th, 2020 at 11:59pm. For further details, updates, and the application, please see our website at https://gsa.vt.edu/programs/tfp.html  For questions, support, or insights, please email GSA-TFP-G@VT.EDU.

15. GRADUATE STUDENT INPUT NEEDED—VIRGINIA TECH WOMEN’S ALLIANCE CONVERSATIONS – 1st posting
Co-chairs of the Research and Non-Tenure Track/Instructional Faculty subcommittee of the Women’s Alliance and Caucus invite you to attend an online conversation to help us understand community needs particularly in Graduate School. We will schedule two different conversations for the Graduate School during the week of November 2. All graduate students regardless of identity, gender, or sex are welcome. Help us narrow down the best date/time for these conversations by completing this doodle poll: Women’s Alliance Subcommittee Meeting – Week of 11/2 Questions? Please contact at Kimberly Carlson Kimcarlson2009@vt.edu.

16. INVITATION FOR ASIAN PACIFIC ISLANDER DESI AMERICAN GRADUATE STUDENTS TO SHARE THEIR MENTORING EXPERIENCE – 1st posting
Graduate students who identify as Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) are invited to share their thoughts about their experiences with faculty mentoring at Virginia Tech. To participate, use this form: https://forms.gle/m737YCarz8Pui2116. All graduate students (including international students) who identify as Asian or Asian American are encouraged to respond and can enter a raffle to win a free padfolio from the Cultural and Community Centers upon survey completion. The survey will take 10-20 minutes to complete. For more information or if you have any questions, contact hxc419@vt.edu. This project is part of the Graduate School’s Diversity Scholars program.

17. EDWARD BOUCHET HONOR SOCIETY NOMINATION PERIOD OPEN – 1st posting
The Edward Alexander Bouchet Graduate Honor Society (Bouchet Society) recognizes outstanding scholarly achievement and promotes diversity and excellence in doctoral education and the professoriate. We are seeking nominations for graduate students who are within 1-2 semesters of completing their doctoral degree. Find out more at https://graduateschool.vt.edu/about/diversity/bouchet-society.html. Nomination deadline is Nov. 23rd. Please email shernita@vt.edu if you have any questions. 

18. APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR JEAN B. DUERR MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP – 1st posting
Undergraduate and graduate women who plan to attend, or are already enrolled in, and accredited college or university for the entire 2021-2022 academic year are invited to apply for the Jean B. Duerr  Memorial Scholarship. Awards of approximately $2000 will be given to those applicants who best demonstrate academic achievement and community service. Applications must be postmarked by March 2021. For more information and to receive the application, contact the Scholarship Committee Chair, Winnie Drummond at JBDScholar@gmail.com.

19. GRADUATE COMMUNITY MURAL – MORE ARTISTS NEEDED – 1st posting
The GLC Fellows still need artists willing to re-create a portion of an iconic VT photo for display in the GLC. Those who choose to participate are encouraged to use their creativity to make their section of the mural uniquely their own. You can view the murals in progress in the GLC hallway by the auditorium. Help us complete the images! Sign up Link Please contact Japnit Sethi at japss96@vt.edu with any questions.


20. STUDENTS NEEDED FOR FOCUS GROUP WITH BOARD OF VISITORS – 2nd posting
Sabrina Sturgeon (Graduate Student Representative to the Board of Visitors) has set up a focus group with the BoVRector, Mr. Horacio Valeiras. She is now working to ensure that the focus group has quality representation of graduate students at Virginia Tech. If you are a part-time or international graduate student and you would like to participate in the one-time meeting on November 9th at 3pm, please contact Kuneyl and Hkuneyl@vt.edu. Please respond promptly as spaces are extremely limited. 

21. PROCLAMATION SIGNING –“I ASK” FOR CONSENT – 2nd posting
“I Ask” for Consent is a campaign to raise public awareness about sexual violence and educate communities on how to prevent it. The campaign theme, I Ask, champions the message that asking for consent is a healthy, normal, and necessary part of everyday interactions. We invite all members of the VT community to take part in the “I Ask” for Consent campaign, and virtually sign their names to the Proclamation stating their commitment to putting consent into practice. The goals of the campaign are to raise awareness about sexual violence, promote community engagement on how to change social/community norms, and prevention as part of an ongoing process to educate members about consent and share valuable information about resources and services. Virtual signing will take place October 16 – 30, 2020.
To sign the proclamation, visit the link below: https://form.jotform.com/202365075101140

22. LITTLE HOKIE HAND-ME-DOWN ACCEPTING DONATIONS – 3rd posting
The Women’s Center, Graduate School and Graduate School Assembly is hosting the 7th Annual Little Hokie Hand-Me-Down on November 11-12 in the GLC Multipurpose Room to benefit VT graduate students and families. Now collecting unused/gently used children’s items for ages 0-10 between October 12-November 6. Drop off on the VT Women’s Center porch: Toys (including music and DVDs,) books, clothing (baby and maternity), formula (not expired), medical supplies (breast pumps, lactation devices), strollers, unexpired car seats, school supplies, bedding (for cribs and moms!), bathing and grooming supplies (bathers, unopened/unused creams, lotions, powders), feeding supplies (bibs, baby bottles, food warmers),baby gear (activity gyms, bassinets, play mats, carriers, swings), and diapers. In order to maintain the safety of those handling the items, please completely box or contain in plastic bags any donations. For more information, contact Jessie Meltsner at jmelts@vt.edu .

23. MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCE FOR VIRGINIANS – 3rd posting
Virginia COPES is a crisis counseling “warm line” service through which trained crisis counselors engage with callers in “active listening,” giving individuals in need an opportunity to talk through their concerns, vent, and otherwise provide an outlet for coping with the emotional stresses and effects of the current COVID-19 environment like isolation, fear, grief and anxiety.  Counselors can also connect callers with additional resources in their area. This program was developed with the involvement of at least one graduate student and is part of Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services’ (DBHDS) response to the pandemic. Reach VA COPES  M-F 9am-9pm;  weekends 5pm-9pm by phone or text at 877-349-6428.  Spanish speaking counselors also available. More at vacopes.com and on Facebook at facebook.com/vacopescovid. Posted on behalf of doctoral student Phil Miskovic.

24. GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIP OPPORTUNITY FOR SPRING 2021 – 2nd posting
The Women and Gender in International Development (WGD) program at the Center for International Research, Education, and Development (CIRED) is looking for a Graduate Assistant for Spring semester 2021. Under the direction of Dr. Maria Elisa Christie, the WGD program ensures a gender-sensitive approach to all CIRED projects and raises awareness at Virginia Tech about gender and international development issues. You must be enrolled in a full-time program of graduate studies in a degree-granting department at Virginia Tech. See position description for requirements and next steps before responding please. Stipend and tuition for Spring 2021. If you are interested and meet the qualifications, submit materials to Maria Elisa Christie at mechristie@vt.edu.

25. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED: RESEARCH STUDY ON EFFECTS OF IN-VEHICLE AGENT LANGUAGE IN SELF-DRIVING CARS – 1st posting
The Mind Music and Machine Lab at Virginia Tech is seeking individuals to participate in a study to determine the effect of the in-vehicle agent’s language on driver state and performance in an autonomous vehicle. During the study, you will be asked to drive in a driving simulator environment. This project protocol was reviewed by the VT Human Research Protections Program (#19-088). Criteria for eligibility include: fluent in Chinese OR Hindi, have a valid driving license, and should be above 18. The study will last approximately one hour. Each participant will receive a compensation of $10 for participation. For more information, please contact Sushmethaa Muhundan (msushmethaa@vt.edu). This study is being conducted under the supervision of Dr. Myounghoon Jeon (myounghoonjeon@vt.edu).


26. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR REMOTE AUGMENTED REALITY USER STUDY – 2nd posting
The 3DI group at Virginia Tech invites you to participate in a remote Augmented Reality user study. In the study, we would ask you to use the AR interface we implemented on the Magic Leap One AR headset and provide your feedback. The total duration of this study is about 5 hours. The study population for this study includes people in the Blacksburg, VA area who: 1) are at least 18 years old, 2) are English speakers, 3) have uncorrected normal vision, and 4) regularly use Google’s email and calendar services. To participants who are students at VT, your involvement in the study will not impact your academic performance. Participants will be compensated for $70 after completing the study. If you would like more information about participating, please contact Feiyu Lu at feiyulu@vt.edu. This experiment has been approved, as required, by the Virginia Tech Institutional Review Board under protocol #20-652.

27. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR AUGMENTED REALITY VIRTUAL MONITORS STUDY – 2nd posting
We are looking for voluntary participants for our research study “Augmented Reality Virtual Monitors” at the Moss Arts Center. The participants in the study will have a chance to experience the latest technology of Augmented Reality (AR), including a Microsoft HoloLens 2. The purpose of this research is to understand how the usability of virtual monitors compares to physical monitors. Eligible participants will come to the Moss Arts Center and will be asked to perform a few tasks on a computer. The experiment is expected to take around 1 hour and 30 minutes. Your participation is entirely voluntary and unpaid, and you can choose to terminate your participation in the experiment at any time for any reason. If you’re interested in more information about being a participant, please contact Leonardo Pavanatto at lpavanat@vt.edu. This study has been approved, as required, by the Institutional Review Board of Virginia Tech – IRB# 20-796.

28. PARENTS AND THEIR 7-11-YEAR-OLD CHILDREN NEEDED FOR RESEARCH STUDY – 3rd posting
We are working with families both in the US and China to understand children’s social development and family interactions. To follow public health guidelines for social distancing, parents and children may complete this study in the comfort of their home, with no face-to-face contact with us. The study involves parents completing online questionnaires and uploading audio recordings of parent-child joint activities: A) talk with each other about events that made you or your child feel angry, proud, shame/guilt, and warmth; and B) read a wordless book together. Questionnaires will take about 30 minutes and parent-child activities will take about 45 minutes. Parents will be given a $20 e-giftcard and children will be given a wordless picture book and a sticker sheet. If you are interested, e-mail danhuaz@vt.edu.

29. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED: RESEARCH STUDY – COMPUTATIONAL THINKING PRACTICE – 3rd posting.
Researchers invite people 18 years of age and older to participate in a 60 to 80 minute Computational Thinking Practice study session online. During this session, you will be asked to complete a few brief surveys and to test a way of practicing computational thinking. You will need a computer with a web browser and speakers/headphones. The research protocol has been reviewed by the Virginia Tech Human Research Protections Program (#19-492).  The principal investigator for this study is Dr. Ivica Ico Bukvic (ico@vt.edu) and the contact for participating is Kyriakos Tsoukalas (ktsoukalas@vt.edu). Learn more and get an invitation to participate: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2os0HB7dqDVFGER


Upcoming events
30. ONE HEALTH WEBINAR SERIES: THE ROLE OF BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH IN DEVELOPING THERAPEUTICS FOR COVID-19
Monday, November 2, 12-1pm, Zoom
This moderated panel discussion with Virginia Tech biomedical researchers currently working on SARS-CoV-2 research will focus on what questions remain to be answered about this novel pathogen, the process of how biomedical research can lead to the creation of vaccines and other therapeutics, and how COVID-19 research will develop moving forward through the pandemic. For full details and to register for one or more of the webinars, visit  https://www.vetmed.vt.edu/one-health-day/

31. ONE HEALTH WEBINAR SERIES: THE TOLL OF COVID-10 ON ESSENTIAL MEDICAL, VETERINARY AND PUBLIC HEALTH PROFESSIONALS
Tuesday, November 3, 6-7:15pm, Zoom
This moderated panel discussion with medical, veterinary, and public health professionals will consider how COVID-19 has changed the work they do and has affected the populations under their care. The speakers will offer a candid look at the unique technical, physical, and emotional challenges that individuals in the health professions face today. For full details and to register for one or more of the webinars, visit https://www.vetmed.vt.edu/one-health-day/

32. INSTITUTIONAL REVIEW BOARD (IRB) 101
Wednesday, November 4, 1pm, Zoom
Welcome to the Graduate Student Services IRB Series. If you are new to IRB or just need a refresher course on what IRB is all about, join us as we get the opportunity to learn from the IRB professionals themselves. We have a four-part series planned for you! We are starting with the essentials in this IRB 101 event!  Take a moment to fill out the form below and let us know that you will be joining us!  https://forms.gle/15f8DaFNCiDa18eT7

33. ONE HEALTH WEBINAR SERIES: COVID-19’S IMPACT ON ORGANIZATIONS WORKING WITH VULNERABLE POPULATIONS
Wednesday, November 4, 6-7:15pm, Zoom
Two speakers who work with nonprofit organizations that provide services to vulnerable populations will provide insight into how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the communities they work with and what adaptations they have had to make to ensure community needs are met. Organizations represented: Virginia Harm Reduction Coalition and The Street Dog Coalition. For full details and to register for one or more of the webinars, visit  https://www.vetmed.vt.edu/one-health-day/

34. “HEAVEN: I TOURED THERE” TWO-DAY WEBINAR
Wednesdays November 4 and 18, 5:30-7pm, Zoom
Pronounced dead from heart failure, Dean Braxton’s body was lifeless for 1 hour and 45 minutes.  “It’s not about if I died, the doctors proved that,” says Braxton. “It’s about where I went when I died.” Intervarsity Graduate Christian Fellowship is pleased to host Dean Braxton for this two-day webinar. Come and hear the incredible story that has amazed audiences across the nation.  Short Q&A allowed on both days. Registration is at www.gcfvt.org.

35. OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING (OPT) WORKSHOP
Thursday, November 5, 5:00-6:00pm, Zoom
This informative workshop will walk international students 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 at Optional Practical Training for F-1 Students.

36. GRADUATE STUDENT GENERAL ASSEMBLY MEETING
Thursday, November 5, 5:30-7:00pm, Online via Zoom.
As a graduate student enrolled at Virginia Tech, you’re automatically a member of GSA. Of course, this means that you’re welcome to attend any and all of our General Assembly Meetings. These meetings are not just for delegates – there is an open forum for our community to voice concerns of which the delegate body may not be aware. Please use the RSVP link on our website to indicate your attendance. Meeting starts at 5:30pm. More information about the organization can be found online at http://bit.ly/GSA_Gen_Assembly.

37. ANNUAL ONE HEALTH CASE COMPETITION – Nov. 7
Saturday, November 7th 9:30 am-1:30pm, Zoom
Test your knowledge of infectious diseases, disease control, environmental health, and more at the Annual One Health Case Competition in celebration of International One Health Day. All participants will receive an e-gift card, with additional prizes for winning teams! Teams comprising three different student types, including MPH, PhD/MS (any Department), DVM, & MD/DO, compete to solve cases using a One Health approach. Sign up by October 19 noon as an individual, a partial (2-3 people), or full team (4 people) at: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cXZPM3cuw7HmYbX. Teams will be announced and given the materials for the first case on Friday, October 23rd. On November 7th, teams will present their findings for case 1 to the judges, as well as work on and present two other cases. Contact Cassie Smith at cassie1@vt.edu if you have questions.

38. INSTITUTIONAL REVIEW BOARD (IRB) LIVE Q&A
Wednesday, November 11, 1pm, Zoom
Welcome to the Graduate Student Services IRB Series. If you are new to IRB or just need a refresher course on what IRB is all about, join us as we get the opportunity to learn from the IRB professionals themselves. This is the second event in a four-part series. Students will have the opportunity to ask any and all questions that you have about the IRB process.  Take a moment to fill out the form below and let us know that you will be joining us!  https://forms.gle/15f8DaFNCiDa18eT7

39. ITSA WILDCARD WORKSHOP: BEGINNING ARABIC
Thursday, November 12, 6-7pm, Zoom
Ever wanted to speak Arabic? Join us to learn the basics! Our class for beginners will be led by Kamla Al Amri. The workshop will walk you through greetings and introductory vocabulary. 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. | Add to Google Calendar. | Questions? Contact Ginny Clark at vclark@vt.edu. 

40. DANCE OF NATIONS
Thursday, November 12, 8pm, Youtube Live
The Council of International Students is partnering up with the Cranwell International Center to present Dance of Nations! Follow CISO on Instagram and Facebook @vtciso for more information and updates as we approach the date. This is a fun event that all are welcome and encouraged to attend!

41. WHEN HOME IS UNATTAINABLE, WHAT REPLACES IT? PUBLIC LECTURE AND PANEL FEATURING ALIA MALEK
Friday, November 13, 12-1:3pm, Zoom
Alia Malek is a journalist, civil rights lawyer and author of “The Home That Was Our Country: A Memoir of Syria.” Since 2015, Malek has been reporting on Syrian refugees’ lives and displacement across Netherlands, Sweden and Germany as part of a 10 year reporting project. Drawing on this work, she will consider what replaces the very idea of home when home itself becomes unattainable and its permanence illusory. The public lecture will be from 12-12:45pm, follow by a panel from 12:45-1:30pm. The panel, moderated by Katherine Randall, includes Alia Malek, Nadine Sinno and Jake Keyel and will discuss how working with displaced populations can be a mutually enriching experience, rather than one of “saving” others. They will speak to the refugee experience from a variety of perspectives. Register here to attend:  https://virginiatech.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUtf-uqrjsuH9Ktk72h0JC7JzdTZ1ovhek6  Sponsored by the Community Change Collaborative and the VT Institute for Policy and Governance, the VT Center for Refugee, Migrant, and Displacement Studies and the Center for Rhetoric in Society. Please contact mneda14@vt.edu with questions.

42. MOVING BEYOND OUR INFORMATION SILOS – DEAN OF STUDENTS OFFICE
Friday, November 13, 5-6pm, Zoom
Join us for a talk: Moving Beyond Our Information Silos: A Humanist Approach to Bridging Religious and Non-Religious Divides for Cooperative Action, with M L Clark. Open to students, faculty, staff & community members. Partnership of Virginia Tech Interfaith Program and Synergy: Interfaith Collective at Virginia Tech. Register at dos.vt.edu/beyondsilos.