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0. Ongoing Services – updated 8/22/23
This Week’s Events:
- DONNING OF THE KENTE ACHEIVEMENT CEREMONY 2024 – Wednesday
- LAVENDER ACHEIVEMENT CEREMONY – Wednesday
- GLC CAFÉ– Thursday
- APIDA + SPRING ACHIEVEMENT CEREMONY – Thursday
Administrative Announcements:
- APPLY FOR LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITY WITH SOCIETY OF HISPANIC PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS – 1st posting
- ACCESS TO HEALTH SERVICES IN SUMMER – 1st posting
- NOMINATE YOUR FACULTY FOR MENTOR OF THE MONTH – 1st posting
- SPRING 2024 GRADUATE SCHOOL COMMENCEMENT CEREMONIES – 2nd posting
- GRADUATE SCHOOL – SPECIAL CLOSURES AND SUMMER HOURS – 2nd POSTING
- SUMMER 3 LEADERSHIP COURSE OPEN TO ALL GRAD STUDENTS: LDRS 5534! – 3rd posting
Jobs
- GA POSITION IN GOVERNMENT & COMMUNITY RELATIONS – 3rd posting
Funding Opportunities
- GLOBETHICS YOUTH LEADERSHIP AWARD 2024 – DEADLINE: MAY 10, 2024
- CHEMICAL/MECHANICAL ENGINEERING GRADUATE STUDENT INTERN – 3rd posting
Volunteers and research participants sought:
- PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR HUMAN EVALUATION OF ETD CHAPTER SUMMARIES AND CLASSIFICATION LABELS – 2nd posting
- PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR A DRIVING SIMULATOR STUDY ON ACTIVE HIGHWAY-RAIL GRADE CROSSINGS – 2nd posting
- FOCUS GROUP PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR STUDY ON SUSTAINABLE DIETS – 3rd posting
Upcoming Events:
- INTRODUCTION TO WEBWORK FOR FACULTY AND GTAs – May 13
- PYTHON, BASH AND GIT WORKSHOP – May 13 –May 14
- R, BASH AND GIT WORKSHOP – May 13 & May 15
- FILM SCREENING: THE CODDLING OF THE AMERICAN MIND – Monday, May 13
0. Ongoing Services – updated 08/28/23
- GRADUATE SCHOOL: In-person advising, drop-off or pick-up of documents and materials, and a space to study and take a break! Visit SHIP (120 GLC) Monday -Friday 9am-4pm. The Graduate School offices will be open 9am – 4pm. Staff will be available by phone 540 231-8636 or email grads@vt.edu. If you prefer Zoom advising: request one-on-one assistantship or academic advising by using our online request form to set-up a Zoom session.
- CAREER ADVISING: schedule career advising appointment via https://career.vt.edu/job-search/Handshake.html ; GLC drop-in hours in GLC 120/SHIP will be held on Wednesdays 1-4pm
- COOK COUNSELING: Drop-in hours for consultation begin on 8/22. Location is Room 49 at the GLC. Tuesdays 10 am to 12 pm and Fridays 1 to 3 pm. For consultations by Zoom e-mail hkatie19@vt.edu. Students seeking services can schedule a triage appointment by calling 540-231-6557. You may request first available appointment at our Gilbert Place office, or to be seen at the GLC. We also have embedded counselors in Engineering, College of Science, and Pamplin School of Business available. **Please note Cook Counseling’s main office has moved Gilbert Place, 220 Gilbert Street, suite 2400, beginning September 6, 2023.
- WRITING CENTER SERVICES: Schedule an appointment at https://vt.mywconline.com/
- GRADUATE OMBUDSPERSON: contact for appointment at gradombud@vt.edu, 540-231-9573
- GRADUATE AND PROFESSIONAL STUDENT BOV REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE HOURS Join Graduate and Professional Student Board of Visitors Representative Emily Tirrell for her weekly office hours! Come and learn more about the graduate school, the student senate, the Board of Visitors, and campus resources! Every Monday 9-10am, GLC 36D or Virtual: https://virginiatech.zoom.us/my/emilytirrell.
This Week’s Events
1. DONNING OF THE KENTE ACHIEVEMENT CEREMONY 2024
Wednesday, May 8, 12-2:30pm, Moss Arts Center
Celebrating graduate students individually, and recognizing their accomplishments in a traditional based on African principles. IMPORTANT NOTE: Since the Graduate School Commencement for doctoral students is from 10am-12noon the same day, and this ceremony begins at 12noon, doctoral graduate students will not need to line up until 1:00pm, so there should be enough time for doctoral graduates to also. Register here;
2. LAVENDER ACHIEVEMENT CEREMONY
Wednesday, May 8, 6-8pm, Graduate Life Center Auditorium
The annual Lavender Achievement Ceremony recognizes the many accomplishments of Virginia Tech’s LGBTQ+ graduates. The 6:00PM ceremony will be followed by a reception and an opportunity to celebrate in community with one another. Graduating students can register using the link below. The form gives students the option to indicate whether they want to participate in the Lavender Achievement Ceremony or just receive their lavender regalia (cord and tassel) without attending the event. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1IUSPwg4vP-7p90BA-1FEieI4_EcbeB4eKzc2-OeuUnk.
3. GLC CAFÉ –Thursday, May 9, 3:30-5pm, GLC Reading Room
No Wednesday café this week due to commencement – congratulations graduates! Casual drop-in social hour for graduate students to take a break! Enjoy coffee, tea, cookies and conversation with graduate students and Graduate School staff. Bring your own mug if you can.
4. APIDA + SPRING ACHIEVEMENT CEREMONY
Thursday, May 9, 5-7pm, APIDA + CENTER (SQUIRES 140)
The APIDA + Center celebrates the achievements of May graduates at this event. Come and join us to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of our Spring graduates. Let us wish them all the best in their future endeavors. Graduates wishing to participate should register in advance. Instructions to participate online are contained in the registration form linked above. Light refreshments provided. Register here: www.bit.ly/apidaspring24. For questions and/or accommodations, please contact Dr. Nina Ha at nha@vt.edu.
Administrative Announcements
5. APPLY FOR LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITY WITH SOCIETY OF HISPANIC PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS – 1st posting
The graduate section of SHPE is accepting applications to join our committee! If you love grad school as much as we do, can communicate well, and want to help with planning professional/social events for the graduate community, apply now: https://forms.office.com/r/16ud6XYHiY ¡Buena suerte!
6. ACCESS TO HEALTH SERVICES IN SUMMER – 1st posting
Graduate students who were enrolled in the spring and will remain in Blacksburg in the summer to work on their research (without enrolling in any credits) may pay the health fee and retain access to Schiffert and Cook Counseling services. Review access eligibility details at:
– Schiffert Health Center: https://healthcenter.vt.edu/appointments/who_is_eligible.html
– Cook Counseling Ctr: https://ucc.vt.edu/about/summer_services.html
7. NOMINATE YOUR FACULTY FOR MENTOR OF THE MONTH – 1st posting
Recognize a great faculty mentor who has been supportive and encouraging of your progress toward a graduate degree by nominating them for the Faculty Mentor of the Month recognition. You can nominate advisors, committee members, or other faculty who play a significant role in your graduate experience, either in a single noteworthy instance or through continued and consistent support: https://graduateschool.vt.edu/about/awards/outstanding-mentor-award/Mentor_of_the_Month.html Nominations are accepted year-round, and a new winner is selected every month. Winners receive a certificate and a small token of our appreciation. Winning faculty mentors are featured on our website and recognized on social media platforms. Contact Monika Gibson at gibsonm@vt.edu with questions.
8. SPRING 2024 GRADUATE SCHOOL COMMENCEMENT CEREMONIES – 2nd posting
The spring 2024 Graduate School commencement ceremony in Blacksburg for all doctoral students and interdisciplinary master’s students (MACR, MIT, TBMH) will be held on Wednesday, May 8th at 10:00am in Cassell Coliseum. All doctoral and interdisciplinary master’s graduates wanting to participate should complete the Commencement Intentions form through their HokieSPA degree menu no later than May 1st. All other Blacksburg master’s degree graduates will be recognized at individual college ceremonies. See https://commencement.vt.edu/schedule/spring.html for the schedule of ceremonies; contact your college to register. The spring 2024 Graduate School ceremony in the Washington D. C. Metro Area for all doctoral and master’s students will be held on Sunday, May 12th at 1:00pm at the George Mason University Center for the Arts. All doctoral and master’s graduates wanting to participate should complete the Commencement Intentions form through their HokieSPA degree menu no later than May 1st.
9. GRADUATE SCHOOL – SPECIAL CLOSURES AND SUMMER HOURS – 2nd POSTING
Wednesday, May 8 – opening at 1:00pm
Friday, May 10 – opening at 11:00am
Wednesday, May 15 – opening at 2:00pm
Graduate School summer hours: In-person advising, drop-off or pick-up of documents and materials, and a space to study and take a break! Visit 120 GLC, summer walk-in hours will be held on Monday and Thursday 9:00-4:00pm. The Graduate School offices will be open from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. for the summer. Staff will be available by phone 540 231-8636 or email grads@vt.edu. If you prefer Zoom advising: request one-on-one assistantship or academic advising by using our online request form to set-up a Zoom session.
10. SUMMER 3 LEADERSHIP COURSE OPEN TO ALL GRAD STUDENTS: LDRS 5534! – 3rd posting
Want to learn about your creativity and problem-solving style? Then LDRS 5534 Cognition, Problem Solving, and Preference for Change (CRN 64647) is for YOU! In this course students will understand the differences in problem-solving styles and how that affects working with and leading others. You will also learn your own KAI score and what it tells you about how you solve problems, work with others, communicate, and build trust—all required for successful leadership. Enroll for this Summer 3 course TODAY! Questions? Contact Dr. Jerald Walz, jhwalz@vt.edu.
Jobs
11. GA POSITION IN GOVERNMENT & COMMUNITY RELATIONS – 2nd posting
The Fellowship is targeted at students who have an interest in state government and policy as the Fellow works in the Office of Government and Community Relations during both the fall and spring semesters. During the fall semester, the Fellow has a regular assistantship based in Blacksburg and is expected to make occasional trips to Richmond. During the spring semester, the Fellow serves in a full-time role based in Richmond during the legislative session in order to monitor and participate in the activities of the General Assembly. After the session, the Fellow returns to Blacksburg to help with end of session wrap up items. Please see the linked program description for more details regarding duties, compensation, and time. The Office of Government and Community Relations offers a Virginia General Assembly Fellowship program each year for current and rising full-time graduate students. For more information: https://www.govrel.president.vt.edu/student_experiences/general_assembly_fellowship.html To apply please send a cover letter, resume, and writing sample to Elizabeth Hooper at ehooper@vt.edu.
Funding Opportunities
Funding opportunities sponsored by the graduate school can be found here:
https://graduateschool.vt.edu/funding/funding-sponsored-by-the-graduate-school.html
All external funding opportunities that we are aware of can be found here: https://graduateschool.vt.edu/funding/scholarships-and-fellowships.html.
12. GLOBETHICS YOUTH LEADERSHIP AWARD 2024 – DEADLINE: MAY 10, 2024
Young leaders (individuals or groups) aged between 18 and 30 years of age who have designed and implemented initiatives that have produced real, proven societal impact and positive change in areas related to one or more of the four Globethics priorities are eligible to apply for the Globethics Youth Leadership Award. Winning the Globethics Youth Leadership Award would give winners the opportunity to build on and develop their initiatives. The three finalists will then be invited to present at the Global Ethics Forum in Geneva, Switzerland taking place from 2-4 September 2024. During the Forum they will have the opportunity to improve their initiative and its development plan, with the support and accompaniment of a mentor, ready to present it to the Forum’s audience, constituted by experts and practitioners in the field of ethics, from different parts of the world. Award winners will achieve recognition for their pioneering work and receive financial and mentoring support to upscale and to multiply the results of their initiative.
1st prize: USD 15,000 , 2nd prize: USD 10,000, 3rd prize: USD 5,000 All winners will also benefit from the support of a mentor for nine months.
For more information: https://globethics.net/contact-us.
13. CHEMICAL/MECHANICAL ENGINEERING GRADUATE STUDENT INTERN – DEADLINE: MAY 10, 2024
Learn about and collaborate with supervisor to develop engineering computer models of key aspects of the physics, economics and/or environmental impacts of low-carbon energy technologies. Contribute to researching new low-carbon energy technology designs and/or configurations by reviewing the published literature and/or patent databases. Assist in developing computer models describing the physical embodiment of low-carbon energy technology. Help with preparing project files and reports, presentations for clients, and other communication documents for the client, as needed. Qualifications: Enrolled as an engineering, chemical and mechanical graduate student or just graduated from an accredited Chemical or Mechanical engineering program. 3.5 GPA or higher. Completed at least one (1) undergraduate course in thermodynamics (i.e. the physics of energy). A drive to learn more about the engineering design/operation of new, lower carbon energy technologies, i.e.: renewable energy systems, electrochemical systems, and/or energy storage devices. Chemical engineering process plant modelling experience with Aspen Plus or chemical engineering process plant such as ChemCAD. Microsoft software (Word, Excel, Power Point), U.S. citizenship is required. For more information and instructions on how to apply: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1wRmVccQkeDflU5sGrRxJAOIbIvPXqb5o2DXfF-kRWxQ/edit?usp=sharing.
Volunteers and Research Participants Sought
14. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR HUMAN EVALUATION OF ETD CHAPTER SUMMARIES AND CLASSIFICATION LABELS – 1st posting
We are seeking participants for evaluating ETD chapter summaries and classification labels (IRB #23-687). We are conducting a study to evaluate automatically generated chapter summary and chapter classification labels for electronic theses and dissertations (ETDs). We are looking for research participants who meet the following criteria: Current graduate student or faculty member at Virginia Tech; Regularly read and use academic research papers.; 18 years of age or older Participants will need to complete the study in one sitting lasting approximately 30 minutes. The study takes place remotely. For more questions contact Bipasha Banerjee at bipashabanerjee@vt.edu.
15. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR A DRIVING SIMULATOR STUDY ON ACTIVE HIGHWAY-RAIL GRADE CROSSINGS – 2nd posting
Volunteer for Mind Music Machine Lab’s study (IRB#19-643) determining effects of in-vehicle multimodal alerts on driver behaviors at active Highway-Rail Grade Crossings (HRGCs) on driver state and performance. Study involves a driving simulator environment while wearing Tobii Pro Glasses 2 eye tracker. Eligibility: Active driver with a valid U.S License, More than 2 years of driving experience; Normal, or corrected-to-normal hearing; Normal, or corrected-to-normal vision, through contact lenses only (if you use eye glasses, you are not eligible) You will be excluded if you are a minor, a prisoner, or an adult not capable to consent on their own behalf. The study should take 1.5 hours, and you will be compensated at the rate of $10/hr., or 0.5cr/hr. in approved courses. If you suffer from severe motion sickness , migraines, dizziness or blurred vision you should not volunteer. If you are interested in participating, please reserve your appointment using this link, https://calendly.com/gayoungban/fra-experiment. For more information, please contact Gayoung Ban gayoungban@vt.edu.
16. FOCUS GROUP PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR STUDY ON SUSTAINABLE DIETS – 2nd posting
Want to know how your food choices can be healthy for you and the planet? This study (IRB 23-147) is seeking undergraduate and graduate VT students to participate in two-part focus groups to share your views about what motivates your dietary choices, graphic food-based dietary guidelines and sustainable diets. Participants must be 18-25 years old and studying at Virginia Tech. FREE lunch or dinner will be provided. https://forms.office.com/r/FAtj99PSyy.
Upcoming Events
17. INTRODUCTION TO WEBWORK FOR FACULTY AND GTAs
Monday, May 13, 8:45am-4:30pm, Newman Library 1st floor Goodall Room
GTAs and Teaching Faculty in STEM topics are invited to attend a one-day introductory workshop on WeBWorK on Monday, May 13th 845am-4:30pm at Newman Library 1st floor Goodall Room (MPR). WeBWorK is an open-source, Canvas-integrated, hosted, online system for delivering and grading custom homework in STEM disciplines. It has similar features to commercial products like WebAssign, MyLab and Mastering Physics, but without a subscription cost for VT students. This one-day, faculty led workshop is for VT faculty and GTAs who want to learn more about how to get started using WeBWorK in their classes. Registration is required. Registration deadline: May 6th. Registration: https://bit.ly/may13_workshop. Event flyer: https://guides.lib.vt.edu/ld.php?content_id=76074414.
18. PYTHON, BASH AND GIT WORKSHOP
Monday, May 13 – Tuesday, May 14, 9am-5pm, University Mall 2104 or Zoom Join a 2-day workshop and learn key skills for programming and computing including the command line, version control, and Python on May 13-14 in Blacksburg or online! No experience necessary; workshops open to all VT community members. Coffee, snacks, and lunch provided for in-person participants! Find more information and register at Library Calendar: https://calendar.lib.vt.edu/event/12412166 or email ndporter@vt.edu.
19. R, BASH AND GIT WORKSHOP
Monday, May 13 and Wednesday, May 15, 9am-5pm, university Mall 2104 and Zoom
Join a 2-day workshop and learn key skills for programming and computing including the command line, version control, and R on May 13 and 15 in Blacksburg or online! No experience necessary; workshops open to all VT community members. Coffee, snacks, and lunch provided for in-person participants! Find more information and register at Library Calendar https://calendar.lib.vt.edu/event/12412188 or email ndporter@vt.edu.
20. FILM SCREENING: THE CODDLING OF THE AMERICAN MIND
Monday, May 13, 6:30pm-9pm, Bradley Study Center, 104 Faculty St
Join us for a screening of the recent documentary “The Coddling of the American Mind” based on The New York Times bestseller by the same title: “An anxious generation searches for happiness — Beginning in 2012, a mental health mystery appeared out of nowhere. Anxiety, depression, and suicide shot up among young people, and nobody knew why. Then one man’s brush with suicide revealed some unexpected clues, and five 20-somethings from around the world began to piece together a solution they hoped would pull themselves out of the darkness”. “The Coddling of the American Mind” is the new feature documentary by Ted Balaker and Courtney Moorehead Balaker that’s based on The New York Times bestselling book by Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt. https://www.bradleystudycenter.org/.