Posted on by lbarron

November 24-30, 2024

To see full descriptions for any item in the summary list, please click on the continue reading link below the list.

This Week’s Events: 

  1. GRADUATE SCHOOL THANKSGIVING BREAK LUNCH  – November 25
  2. THANKSGIVING MEAL FOR STUDENTS – November 27

Administrative Announcements:   

  1. FALL 2025 GRADUATE SCHOOL COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY – 1st posting
  2. GRADUATE SCHOOL CLOSING – 1st posting
  3. BACK-UP CARE THROUGH CARE.COM – 1st posting
  4. CONNECTIONS THAT COUNT: GRATITUDE – 1st posting (1/1)
  5. GRADUATE STUDENT AWARDS – NOMINATIONS DUE JANUARY 23, 2026 – 2nd posting
  6. OUTSTANDING ADVISING/MENTORING AWARD FOR A/P FACULTY/STAFF – DUE JANUARY 23, 2026 – 2nd posting
  7. APPLICATIONS RE-OPEN FOR GPSS RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM CO-CHAIR POSITION FOR 2025-2026 – 2nd posting
  8. APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR GPSS GRADUATE RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM – 2nd posting
  9. NEW COURSE: GRAD 5984: EFFECTIVE, ETHICAL, & EQUITABLE MENTORING – 2nd posting
  10. CETL’s THANK-A-TEACHER PROGRAM – 2nd posting
  11. ONLINE COURSE: GRAD 5024, DATA MANAGEMENT SKILLS – 3rd posting
  12. ONLINE COURSE: GRAD 5124, RESEARCH SKILLS FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS – 3rd posting

Jobs:

  1. VT TEACHING FELLOWS – LAST CALL – DEADLINE: NOVEMBER 30
  2. APPLY TO CARE.COM AS A CAREGIVER – 1st posting
  3. GA POSITION IN THE OFFICE OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE PREVENTION AND EDUCATION (SVPE) – 2nd posting

Funding Opportunities:

  1. MMUF ADVANCEMENT PROGRAM DISSERTATION GRANT – DEADLINE: DECEMBER 5, 2025
  2. COVES FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM – DEADLINE: DECEMBER 11, 2025
  1. VASG 2026 GRADUATE FELLOWSHIPS – DEADLINE: JANUARY 5, 2026
  2. THE CATHERINE HINMAN MEMORIAL FELLOWSHIP – DEADLINE: JANUARY 9, 2026

Volunteers and research participants sought: 

  1. 4TH GRADERS NEEDED FOR MATH WORD PROBLEMS STUDY – 2nd posting
  2. PARTICIPANTS ARE NEEDED FOR A VIRGINIA TECH RESEARCH STUDY INVESTIGATING THE EFFECTS OF EXOSKELETONS ON BALANCE RECOVERY – 2nd posting
  3. SEARCH AND RESCUE TRACKING RESEARCH VOLUNTEERS REQUESTED – 2nd posting
  4. 18 AND 24-MONTH OLDS NEEDED FOR RESEARCH ON ATTENTION AND LANGUAGE – 2nd
  5. LOOKING FOR SECOND AND FIFTH GRADERS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE VT LEARNING STUDY (IRB #24-1349) – 3rd posting

Upcoming Events:    

  1. LET’S LOCK IN – December 1
  2. SALARY NEGOTIATION STRATEGIES – December 2
  3. END-OF-SEMESTER CHILL NIGHT: CRAFTS AND FREE FOOD – December 2,
  1. KNOW IT OR BELT IT: KARAOKE AND TRIVIA NIGHT AT THE APIDA + CENTER –  December 3
  2. ALL-DAY WRITING RETREAT –  Dec 4
  3. THE CONNECTED LEADER: NETWORK & SOCIAL SKILLS IN A GLOBAL WORLD – DECEMBER 5
  4. CULTURAL HUMILITY IN GLOBAL LEADERSHIP PRACTICE – December 5
  5. TEA AT TWO – December 5
  6. REUS PATHWAYS TO GRADUATE STUDY – December 10
  1. GEARUP! TALKING ABOUT GRAD SCHOOL WHEN YOU GO HOME – December 10
  2. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS DEEP DIVE  – January 12 – 15, 2026)

 0. Ongoing Services – updated October 2025 

  • GRADUATE SCHOOL: Graduate School 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 for walk-in hours, 9am-4pm, Monday-Friday, 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 a career advising appointment via https://career.vt.edu/job-search/Handshake.html.
  • COOK COUNSELING: Students can call 540-231-6557 to schedule an appointment with the embedded counselor with their program, or other Cook counselors.  
  • FOOD SHARE CABINET: Located in GLC Wellness Room (Room G). Accessible to graduate students 24/7 byswiping in with your Hokie Passport
  • WRITING CENTER SERVICES: Schedule an appointment at https://vt.mywconline.com/   
  • WRITING DROP-IN: Held most Mondays and Thursdays in GLC Room C. Drop in between 9am-4pm to work at your own pace in a quiet, supportive environment— no registration required! For more information: https://graduateschool.vt.edu/professional-development/professional-development-series.html
  • GRADUATE OMBUDSPERSON: contact for appointment at gradombud@vt.edu, 540-231-9573   

This Week’s Events   

1. GRADUATE SCHOOL THANKSGIVING BREAK LUNCH 
Tuesday, November 25, 11:30am-1pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
You are not alone! Join others who don’t get to leave for Thanksgiving Break for some chili (chicken, vegetarian/vegan/GF versions), dessert, and conversation in the graduate community! Registration is required and will close when the event has reached capacity, so sign up today – space is still available!
Registration link: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=hGiVYK0Q-kCGPU8yweOjepevaFUBOatNi_cyklXTkCBUQlhUWk9VQTdOSVdNME45WVI0WkZMRFVIWS4u. For questions, please contact Lindsay Barron: lbarron@vt.edu

2. THANKSGIVING MEAL FOR STUDENTS
Thursday, November 27, 11:30-2pm, Data & Decision Sciences Building
For those planning to stay in Blacksburg for the break, we would love for you to join us for a warm and festive Thanksgiving celebration with Dean Kevin Pitts and Toni Pitts. The celebration will take place on Thursday, November 27, from 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM in the main hall of the Data & Decision Sciences Building. This invitation is open to all Virginia Tech undergraduates, graduate students, and postdocs, and you are welcome to bring a guest. Please register for Thanksgiving with the Dean here and select your preferred seating time (11:30 AM or 12:45 PM): bit.ly/costhanksgivingmeal RSVP by Thursday, November 20. If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact: ScienceRSVP@vt.edu  or call 540-231-5643.

Administrative Announcements   

3. FALL 2025 GRADUATE SCHOOL COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY – 1st posting
The fall 2025 Graduate School commencement ceremony for all masters and doctoral students is scheduled on Friday, December 19th at 2:30pm in Cassell Coliseum. All graduates wanting to participate should complete the Commencement Intentions form through their HokieSPA degree menu no later than December 1st. Doctoral students wanting to participate must meet the participation deadlines listed at: https://graduateschool.vt.edu/academics/what-you-need-to-graduate/deadlines-for-academic-progress.html. There is no limit to the number of guests a graduate may invite to attend and the Graduate School ceremony will be live streamed on the University website as well. Additional information on the fall ceremony can be found online at https://vt.edu/commencement.html. Questions may be directed to Graduate Admissions and Academic Progress staff at grads@vt.edu.

4.  GRADUATE SCHOOL CLOSINGS  – 1st posting
Wednesday, November 26 – Friday, November 28,  closed for Thanksgiving Break
Tuesday, December 9 – open at 11:45 am
Friday, December 12, closed 11am-2pm

5. BACK-UP CARE THROUGH CARE.COM – 1st posting
Virginia Tech full-time faculty/staff and non-student wage employees across all locations have unlimited, premium access to the Care.com network for finding child care, adult care, pet care, housekeeping, and tutoring. You can book short- and long-term care, with a wide range of provider types including those with experience assisting children and adults with special needs. All caregivers within Care.com’s network have completed a background check (see CareCheck to learn more). Employees are able to search for caregivers, post jobs, purchase additional screening, and pay caregivers in real-time through the platform. If you have questions about Care.com, contact their Member Care team at careteam@care.com. Be sure to register with your VT email.

6. CONNECTIONS THAT COUNT: GRATITUDE – 1st posting (1/1)
Brought to you by the Office of Sexual Violence Prevention and Education (SVPE)
Gratitude can help you stay grounded amidst all the noise that life and grad school throw at you. Whether it’s taking a moment to appreciate all that you have accomplished this semester or thanking someone for the support they have given you, there are many different ways we can practice gratitude. Which way of showing gratitude can you do this week?
1) Write a handwritten thank you note to someone who has impacted you this semester
2) Start your day by thinking about 3 things you are grateful for
3) Share a favorite meal or treat with someone.
SVPE is sincerely thankful for all of the connections we have made across this semester and actively working to plan great events for the spring. If you have ideas for programs, please email SVPE@vt.edu.

7. GRADUATE STUDENT AWARDS – NOMINATIONS DUE JANUARY 23, 2026 – 2nd posting
The Graduate School recognizes the contributions of the university’s most outstanding graduate students each year. Winners are recognized at an awards banquet during Graduate Education Week, celebrated annually in the last full week of March.The award categories include outstanding dissertation and thesis, service excellence, teaching excellence, outstanding interdisciplinary PhD student, and graduate student of the year. The award criteria and submission information can be found here: https://graduateschool.vt.edu/about/awards/student.html  Nominations are due January 23, 2026. If you have questions, please email grads@vt.edu and put “GEW Awards” in the subject line.

8. OUTSTANDING ADVISING/MENTORING AWARD FOR A/P FACULTY/STAFF – DUE JANUARY 23, 2026 – 2nd posting
The Graduate School seeks nominations for the Outstanding Advising/Mentoring Award for A/P Faculty/Staff. Nominators are encouraged to think about the many and diverse ways in which staff and A/P faculty contribute to the development and support of graduate students. Nominations must include one letter from a current or former graduate student. Learn more about the award criteria and nominations requirements here:
https://graduateschool.vt.edu/about/awards/outstanding-advising-mentoring-award–a-p-faculty-staff-.html. Nominations are due January 23, 2026. If you have questions, please email grads@vt.edu and put “GEW Awards” in the subject line.

9. APPLICATIONS RE-OPEN FOR GPSS RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM CO-CHAIR POSITION FOR 2025-2026 – 2nd posting
GPSS is reopening applications for one co-chair position for the research symposium. Prior to the event, held March 25th, co-chairs will work together to hire a speaker for the event, handle the bulk of necessary planning, and coordinate the event. Planning will include coordinating the keynote speaker, providing food for attendees, collecting abstracts, finding judges, and marketing the event. Applicants must be enrolled in a graduate education program and able to complete work over two semesters: Fall 2025 and Spring 2026, the period of appointment runs September 15- April 1. Applicants must be able to attend the Graduate Research Symposium (March 25th). This position is not an assistantship but does offer a stipend of $350 per semester. To apply: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=hGiVYK0Q-kCGPU8yweOjemwoOeWNbx9Gj4WZgb_1I_xUQkNRT1YwMVpIOENZTzNSWkVTNUM0V0owQi4u

10. APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR GPSS GRADUATE RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM – 2nd posting
The GPSS Spring 2026 Graduate Research Development Program (GRDP) is now taking applications! Master’s students are eligible for up to $1000 in funding and doctoral students are eligible for up to $1500 in funding. Past and future GRDP guidelines will differ. Please submit applications by January 16, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. EST. If you have already submitted an application and would like to amend it, if you have any questions, or if you need an extension, please contact Megan Grey greym@vt.edu  before the application deadline. For more information and to download the instructions visit: https://gpss.vt.edu/programs/grdp.html

11. NEW COURSE: GRAD 5984: EFFECTIVE, ETHICAL, & EQUITABLE MENTORING – 2nd posting
The purpose of this course is to develop graduate students’ understandings of and experiences with mentoring. The ability to support and enhance another’s academic, professional, and personal development rests on a foundation of exploring and reflecting on one’s own experiences with these topics. Graduate students in this course will reflect on their own previous experiences with mentoring; their role as current mentees in their research and graduate careers, their role as future faculty and industry leaders who will have mentees of their own, and as mentors to current undergraduate students. They will also be guided in developing peer-mentoring networks to support their wellbeing and success in graduate school.  Students will be provided with theories of mentorship as well as opportunities to reflect and put their awareness into practice informing their future praxis. Please reach out to Cotrupi@vt.edu for more information

12. CETL’s THANK-A-TEACHER PROGRAM – 2nd posting
Do you know a teacher at Virginia Tech who:
• Encouraged you?
• Challenged you?
• Inspired you?
Want to say thanks? We can help!
Thanking a teacher is easy with the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning’s Thank-a-Teacher program. Simply fill out our online form at the link below and include one or two sentences expressing your appreciation (with the option to remain anonymous), and we’ll send your instructor a thank-you note. https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=hGiVYK0Q-kCGPU8yweOjerMHe-qxOW9NrnK5rmoKFVZUQ01QTzFXVjA4WTlUVUhOT1VYUEpZU1lCMS4u

13. ONLINE COURSE: GRAD 5024, DATA MANAGEMENT SKILLS – 3rd posting
Spring 2026
Online, asynchronous, 1 credit
Improve your data management skills towards your thesis/dissertation!
Learn about: the importance and benefits of data management, including creating a data management plan or readme file. Data organization, policies, documentation, storage, ethics, access, security, analytical tools, grant requirements (proposal and post-award), proper attribution, archiving, other issues, and topics related to data in scholarly communication. 8-week course.
Pass/ Fail Only. Pre: Graduate Standing.

14. ONLINE COURSE: GRAD 5124, RESEARCH SKILLS FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS – 3rd posting
Spring 2026
Online, asynchronous, 1 credit
Take your research to the next level! GRAD 5124 (Research Skills for Graduate Students) is an asynchronous, one-credit, fully online course offered by the University Libraries in Spring 2026. Students will develop skills that will prepare them for research in graduate school and beyond. Semester-long course.

Jobs   

15. VT TEACHING FELLOWS – LAST CALL – DEADLINE: NOVEMBER 30 – 1st posting (1/1)
Applications for the VT Teaching Fellows Program adjunct teaching opportunities at Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) will close at the end of November! Explore all the opportunities in the file linked here. (DO NOT use links on the general NOVA Employment webpage.) The file contains instructions and guidelines for applying, along with all the position-specific links. Read carefully through the position descriptions and apply for any that you are interested in and qualified for (at least 18 graduate credit hours in the discipline).  Reach out to Dr. Cathleen Cogdill (ccogdill@nvcc.edu) and/or Dr. Barbara Hoopes (bhoopes@vt.edu) with any questions.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1K4uoCh3bk-ChzB0GqOtE0TBol50uAWh23QwsAOOicC4/edit?gid=0#gid=0

16. APPLY TO CARE.COM AS A CAREGIVER – 1st posting
Create a profile, detailing the kind of services you provide, your rate, and your qualifications — and let people know you are a Virginia Tech student to stand out as a Hokie. Get an annual background check through the site, costing $23.99. Set your location, and work from anywhere, whether it’s in Virginia or beyond Care.com/caregiver. For questions or more information contact Ana Agud hokiewellness@vt.edu.

17. GA POSITION IN THE OFFICE OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE PREVENTION AND EDUCATION (SVPE) – 2nd posting
This role will focus on gender violence prevention and education and will provide the student with the opportunity to support research, program development, and community outreach efforts aimed at addressing gender-based violence. Qualifications: A bachelor’s degree in a related field such as: Public Health, Women and Gender Studies, and any social sciences (Psychology, Sociology, Political Science, Anthropology, etc.). Application deadline December 1st, 2025. To apply, please email your resume to svpe@vt.edu.

Funding Opportunities:

18. MMUF ADVANCEMENT PROGRAM DISSERTATION GRANT – DEADLINE: DECEMBER 5, 2025
The MMUF Dissertation Grants are available to doctoral students who participated in the Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship Program. The awards provide doctoral students at the critical juncture of completing their degrees with support to spend a year finishing the writing of the dissertation. This award is funded by the Mellon Foundation.Award: up to $30,000. Deadline: December 5, 2025. https://citizensandscholars.org/mellon-programs-grants/mmuf-dissertation-grant/?utm_source=Fellowship+Alert&utm_campaign=30aeca258e-2026+MMUF+Dissertation+Reminder+1+%7C+Oct+2025&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_a5e043b254-30aeca258e-380971373

19. COVES FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM – DEADLINE: DECEMBER 11, 2025
Interested graduate students may apply for the Commonwealth of Virginia Engineering and Science (COVES) summer fellowship until December 11, 2025. The COVES Fellowship is a 12-week full-time summer fellowship program (May 17-August 6) operated by the Virginia Academy of Science, Engineering and Medicine (the Academy) and open to STEM graduate students. According to the Academy, the aim of the program is to strengthen ties between the scientific community and Virginia’s state government, and to encourage and train more scientists and engineers to be effective advisors for public policy and programs in the Commonwealth. During the program, fellows will receive training in science policy and science communication, spend time in legislative offices, executive agencies, companies, or nonprofits in the state, and will be paired with an Academy mentor and involved in briefings, meetings, and the Academy’s annual summit in August. The program begins with a week-long boot camp on science policy, governance, and policy-making in Virginia. Thereafter, fellows spend their time with the entity with which they are matched, and are also paired with a mentor. The program includes a stipend. The Graduate School will submit five finalists for the fellowship program to the Academy, which will then choose one to represent the university in the program. To learn more about the program and to access the application materials, visit the COVES Fellowship webpage on the Graduate School website, https://graduateschool.vt.edu/funding/funding-sponsored-by-the-graduate-school.html

20. VASG 2026 GRADUATE FELLOWSHIPS – DEADLINE: JANUARY 5, 2026. The VASG Graduate Fellowship invests in people and supports graduate students in research, education, evidence-based inquiry, and community engagement that further the goals of VASG. Graduate Fellows address issues relevant to Virginia communities and of importance to coastal and marine resources – broadly defined (e.g., natural or social sciences, engineering and design, policy and legal analysis, architecture, business, education, arts and humanities, etc.). The fellowship builds skills and competencies through professional development training and provides hands-on experience in translating research results to stakeholders through a professional mentor. Important Dates: Final applications are due January 5, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. EST, and the fellowship begins September 1, 2026. Learn more and apply here: https://vaseagrant.org/graduate-fellowships/

21. THE CATHERINE HINMAN MEMORIAL FELLOWSHIP – DEADLINE: JANUARY 9, 2026
A  fully funded program that enables talented students who otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity to experience a summer in Washington, DC. Entering its fourth year in 2026, the Fellowship is open to graduate students with backgrounds in public policy, economics, applied sciences, and international affairs who have little or no prior experience working and living in Washington.  Silverado helps these students gain practical professional experience and build a Washington network. Fellows develop technical writing and research skills, become immersed in federal and international policy-making, and sow seeds for career growth. Fellowship benefits include: 

  • Covered round-trip transportation from anywhere in the U.S.
  • Fully furnished housing for the duration of the program
  • Extensive professional development, including seminars and networking events with experts from government, nonprofits, industry, and academia
  • $5,000 stipend
    Applications open on October 14th, 2025, will be reviewed on a rolling basis starting November 30th, until the close on January 9th, 2026. For more information: https://silverado.org/hinmanfellowship/

Volunteers and Research Participants Sought    

22. 4TH GRADERS NEEDED FOR MATH WORD PROBLEMS STUDY – 2nd posting
The VT Learning and Development Lab is looking for 4th graders and their parents to participate in the Virginia Tech Math Study (IRB #25-565). The project is focused on learning more about how 4th graders solve word problems. Participation involves one 60-minute video-recorded session for the child and a brief survey completed by the parent (about 15 minutes). Children will complete word problems and other math and reading activities. Parents and children must speak and read English in order to participate.
Compensation is $20 cash, as well as prizes for the child throughout the session. If you and your child are interested, please fill out this form: www.bit.ly/VTMathStudy

23. PARTICIPANTS ARE NEEDED FOR A VIRGINIA TECH RESEARCH STUDY INVESTIGATING THE EFFECTS OF EXOSKELETONS ON BALANCE RECOVERY – 2nd posting
In this study, participants will wear exoskeletons and be asked to complete walking tasks and recover your balance after loss of balance events. You are eligible to participate if you: Are 18-30 years old; Have no medical conditions or injuries that affect your balance, how you walk, or your daily activities; Have a weight less than 250 lbs. (110 Kg); Have a height less than 6 feet 6 inches (200 cm); Are not pregnant; Have no lower limb amputation.Participants will be compensated $15/hour for their time and effort. Complete recruitment form here: https://virginiatech.questionpro.com/t/AbyJ8Z5KRW

24. SEARCH AND RESCUE TRACKING RESEARCH VOLUNTEERS REQUESTED – 2nd posting
A Virginia Tech grad student and Search and Rescue (SAR) volunteer is seeking volunteer participants for research regarding SAR tracking (IRB #24-1149). Participants are asked to make tracks with shoes or boots then barefoot and provide access to footwear. The researcher will travel to your location in Blacksburg or Christiansburg to measure tracks in a portable sandbox and most pairs of participants’ footwear collections. The measurements take 30-60 minutes per participant. There are no age limits for involvement in this study. Your contribution to advancing the science of tracking is appreciated. Please, if interested, contact Rob Speiden by December 31, 2025, for more details (robert72@vt.edu).

25. 18 AND 24-MONTH OLDS NEEDED FOR RESEARCH ON ATTENTION AND LANGUAGE – 2nd posting
The iLanguage, Environment, Attention, Parenting (iLEAP) Lab in the Department of Psychology at Virginia Tech seeks 18-month-olds and 24-month-olds for a study on multisensory skills and language learning. We compensate you $30 per visit. If interested, please go to https://forms.office.com/r/0nTi60aEyG or email us at ileaplab@vt.edu (approved IRB#21-773).

26. LOOKING FOR SECOND AND FIFTH GRADERS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE VT LEARNING STUDY (IRB #24-1349) – 3rd posting
Second and fifth graders are needed for a Virginia Tech Human Development and Family Science research study (IRB # 24-1349). The purpose of this research is to learn more about their literacy, math, self-regulation, and executive function skills, and how those skills are related to each other. We are also interested in the role that life experiences play in the development of those skills so that educators and/or parents can better support their children’s literacy and math learning. Participation involves one 60-minute video-recorded session. During the session, children will play with a Lego set, do reading and math activities, play iPad games, and play a Head-Toes-Knees-Shoulder game. Meanwhile, parents complete two surveys lasting about 15 minutes. Sessions can take place at a lab located in the Blacksburg campus, Roanoke, or the participant’s home. Participant qualifications: 2nd and 5th graders this fall, and their parents, who speak and read English. Compensation: Participants will be compensated with $20 for their time and effort upon completion of the session and surveys. Fill out the interest form here:  https://forms.gle/kHLdTAcf8x4gnyPW9

Upcoming Events   

27. LET’S LOCK IN
Monday, December 1, 4pm-6pm, APIDA + (Squires 140)
Looking for a weekly boost to stay on track with your classes? Let’s Lock In meets once a week – every Monday – to give you a dedicated time and space to focus, get support, and make real progress. Join other students in a relaxed, productive environment where tutors are on hand to help with coursework, and other campus resources are just a step away. Think of it like study hall, but better: whether you’re tackling tough assignments, prepping for exams, or just trying to stay organized, Let’s Lock In is here to help. Drop in, get focused, and leave feeling accomplished.

28. SALARY NEGOTIATION STRATEGIES
Tuesday, December 2, 4pm, GLC C
This workshop explores key factors to consider when making career decisions and introduces effective, professional approaches to negotiation. Participants will learn about online tools for researching both cost of living and market salary data. The session will also cover best practices for following up on job offers—whether accepting or declining. https://forms.office.com/r/RMH0Bj6CqS

29. END-OF-SEMESTER CHILL NIGHT: CRAFTS AND FREE FOOD
Tuesday, December 2, 5-7pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
Get ready for a festive, cozy Winter Wonderland Craft Night filled with creativity and connection! Join the Graduate & Professional Student Senate, in partnership with SECL, for a hands-on holiday craft night where you can make your own snow globes, decorate ornaments, or personalize jars—all supplies included! We’ll also have a hot cocoa bar and free food to celebrate the end of the semester and create a warm space for grad students to relax and connect! RSVP here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/Rs07r7YuAd

30. KNOW IT OR BELT IT: KARAOKE AND NIGHT AT THE APIDA + CENTER
Wednesday, December 3, 7-9pm, APIDA+ Center (Squires 140)
Know It or Belt It! engages students in an interactive and culturally enriching experience that blends education with entertainment. Through trivia focused on APIDA history, culture, and contemporary contributions, participants will expand their knowledge of diverse communities while developing cultural awareness. Karaoke, as both a cultural tradition and social activity, will serve as a platform for students to express themselves, build confidence, and foster connections with peers. Together, these activities promote belonging, intercultural learning, and holistic student development in alignment with the APIDA + Center’s mission to support community building and education.

31. ALL-DAY WRITING RETREAT
Thursday, December 4, 9am-4pm. Graduate Life Center
Designed for graduate students in a writing phase at any level!
This series offers a variety of structured and flexible sessions to support your writing journey. Whether you’re seeking a structured writing period, a focused environment, or the freedom to drop in as needed, our offerings cater to diverse needs. From facilitated workshops and Pomodoro sessions to quiet, open writing spaces, this series allows you to develop skills, boost productivity, and bring your ideas to life. Embrace the chance to write, connect, and grow in a community dedicated to creative and academic excellence. For more information about the writing series: https://graduateschool.vt.edu/professional-development/professional-development-series.html. To register for the December 4 retreat: https://forms.office.com/r/hwd8B2iz60

32. THE CONNECTED LEADER: NETWORK & SOCIAL SKILLS IN A GLOBAL WORLD
Friday,December 5, 11am-12pm, Litton-Reaves Hall 232
In an increasingly global world, effective leadership depends on how well we connect
with others across cultures and contexts. This session explores how social, networking, and knowledge-based skills shape global leadership success.

33. CULTURAL HUMILITY IN GLOBAL LEADERSHIP PRACTICE
Friday,  December 5, 1-2pm, Litton Reaves Hall 232Join us to strengthen cultural humility for effective and authentic leadership in global
contexts!

34. TEA AT TWO
Friday, December 5, 2-3:30pm, APIDA + Center (Squires 140)
Searching for cozy craft activities? Want to make some new friends while sipping tea? This weekly program, Tea at Two, invites students to slow down and take some time to reflect and be in community with one another. Join us for journaling, paper crafts, collage, and much more! Bring your current projects to work on and slow down for self-care. Light refreshments will be provided.

35. REUS PATHWAYS TO GRADUATE STUDY
Wednesday, December 10, 11am, GLC B, & January 30, 2026, 11am-12:30pm, GLC Room B
Do you know any undergraduate students who are curious about research or who are planning for graduate school? Please encourage them to join us for a dynamic webinar exploring Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs).  Attendees will learn where to find REU opportunities and how to showcase REU experiences in their grad school applications. There are two upcoming sessions taking place in GLC Meeting Room B on December 10, 2025 12pm-1:30pm and January 30, 2026 11am-12:30pm. Registration requested: bit.ly/4odY4Tx. Cosponsored by the Graduate School and the Office of Undergraduate Research.

36. GEARUP! TALKING ABOUT GRAD SCHOOL WHEN YOU GO HOME
Wednesday, December 10, 2-3:30pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
This GearUp! session will be a discussion about how to share your research and projects with communities outside of academic settings. Sharing your academic experience with your community outside of grad school is part of establishing a foundation of overall well-being. Conversations will focus on how students integrate their professional and personal experiences, while also bridging two separate environments to make space for the person in graduate school and intentionally think about how support and community is found in both. Register here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/6MzQ9TRbd8

37. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS DEEP DIVE (JAN. 12 – 15, 2026)
Monday, January 12-15, 2026, 10am -3pm, Zoom
During this four-day workshop, participants will become familiar with the major required steps of this methodology, practice relevant skills, and consider the many decisions necessary for a successful comprehensive review and synthesis. Participants are welcome to bring a systematic review (and meta-analysis) to work on throughout the session. However, participants are not required to have a review in mind. https://calendar.lib.vt.edu/event/15700924