March 9 – 15, 2020

Recurring Events:
1. WEEKLY DROP-IN SERVICES
2. WEEKLY RECURRING EVENTS

This Week’s (and Next Week’s) Events:
3. TURKISH FOLK DANCE CLASSES
4. SPRING BREAK BREAKFAST 2020
5. LUTHERAN TRADITIONAL DIVINE SERVICE AND BIBLE STUDY (3/1)

Administrative Announcements:
6. FOOD AND WATER RESEARCH STORYTELLING – 1st posting
7. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD ON TUITION AND FEE INCREASES – 1st posting
8. NATIONAL BIOMECHANICS DAY (NBD) CELEBRATION – 1st posting
9. MEMBERSHIP APPLICATIONS NOW ACCEPTED FOR GRAD HONOR SOCIETY – 2nd posting
10. FREE ONE-ON-ONE NUTRITION GUIDANCE OFFERED BY NUTRITION STUDENTS – 2nd posting
11. STUDIOS NETWORK WORKSHOPS SERIES- 2nd posting
12. JOIN THE VIRGINIA TECH ACADEMIC ADVISING NETWORK TODAY – 3rd posting
13. VP FOR STUDENT AFFAIRS FINALIST INTERVIEW OPEN FORUM & RECEPTION – 3rd posting
14. GRADUATE EDUCATION WEEK ART AND PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST – 3rd posting
15. CALL FOR ARTWORK SUBMISSION – 3rd posting

Jobs:
None at this time

Volunteers and research participants sought:
16. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR CONSUMER SURVEY (EDAMAME RESEARCH) – 1st posting
17. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR STUDY ON BERRIES – 1st posting
18. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED – SIBLING STUDY – 2nd posting
19. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR FOOT AND ANKLE BIOMECHANICS STUDY – 2nd POSTING
20. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED: KNOWLEDGE/PERCEPTION OF HIBISCUS PRODUCTS – 2nd posting
21. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED: MIND MUSIC MACHINE LAB PAINTING SONIFICATION PROJECT – 3rd posting
22. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED: DRIVING SIMULATOR STUDY ON AUDITORY DISPLAYS AT RAIL CROSSINGS – 3rd posting
23. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR RESEARCH STUDY ON EXOSKELETONS – 3rd posting
24. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED: HATE CRIME AND FRESHMEN – 3rd posting

Upcoming events:
– VT KNIGHT-HENNESSY SCHOLARS PROGRAM INFO SESSION (3/16; seating limited; registration required)
– GAUC TALK WITH THE DEAN (3/19; reg. req.)
– VT WOMEN’S TENNIS (3/19; reg. req.)
– 2nd MEETING: SCIENCE POLICY EDUCATION & ADVOCACY CLUB (SPEAC) AT VT
– CELEBRATE NOWRUZ (PERSIAN NEW YEAR 1399) (3/20;purchase tickets by 3/14)
– CHARTING YOUR CAREER: PANEL DISCUSSION WITH AWARD WINNING GRADUATE ALUMNI (3/23, 24 & 27; reg. req)
– ESTABLISHING AND MAINTAINING A HEALTHY ADVISOR/ADVISEE RELATIONSHIP (3/23; reg. required
– GRADUATE STUDENT RESOURCES FORUM (3/23)
– MARCH SCIENCE ON TAP (FEATURING EMMA COLEMAN) (3/25)
– OVER 30s SOCIAL (4/2; reg. required)
– AFRICAN GRADUATE STUDENTS MENTORING WORKSHOP (4/3; reg. req.)

Recurring Events
1. WEEKLY DROP-IN SERVICES
– Career Advising: Thursdays, 3:00-5:00pm, GLC Lobby, ON HIATUS THIS WEEK
Also see: https://blogs.lt.vt.edu/gradcareeropportunity/.
– Cook Counseling: Thursdays & Fridays, 1:00-5:00pm. Green Room, GLC ON HIATUS THIS WEEK – Contact the Mccomas Hall offices at counseling@vt.edu or 540-231-6557.
– Graduate School advising hours: MTThF 8:00am-5:00pm, W 9:30-4:00, 120 GLC
– Immigration advising hours: MWF 1:00-4:00pm, TTh 9:00am-12:00pm, Room 120 GLC
– Writing assistance: reserve appointment at https://www.lib.vt.edu/spaces/writing-center.html

2. WEEKLY RECURRING EVENTS:
– WRITING STRATEGIES FOR GRADUATE WRITERS (ON HIATUS THIS WEEK)
Mondays, 11:00-12:30pm, GLC, Room D and Tuesdays, 10:30-12:00, GLC Room D
     Session can last up to 1.5 hours; you are limited to two of these special appointments at the GLC per semester.  Make an appointment at https://vt.mywconline.com.
–    CONVERSATIONAL ENGLISH SUPPORT FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS (ON HIATUS THIS WEEK)
Wednesdays and Fridays, 2:30-3:30pm, GLC Room D
     Practice conversational English with the help of our community volunteers.
     Often, extra individualized support will be available before and after the Wednesday and Friday sessions.  Make an appointment at https://vt.mywconline.com.
–    GLC CAFÉ
2nd and 4th Wednesday and every Thursday, 3:30-5:00pm, GLC Reading Room
Enjoy free coffee, tea, and cookies in the company of fellow grad students and Grad School staff; network, socialize, relax! Bring your own mug if you can. See below for This Week’s Special Editions.
– FREE CHILDCARE – KIDS’ NIGHT OUT! (ON HIATUS THIS WEEK)
Thursdays, 6:30-8:30pm, VT Women’s Center, 206 Washington St., B’burg
Please sign up for this free Thursday evening session (6:30-8:30) of fun and games in a safe and supportive atmosphere for your child aged 2-12 at the Virginia Tech Women’s Center. Space is limited. Children should be toilet trained. Contact Jessie Meltsner at jmelts@vt.edu with any questions.

This Week’s Events
3. TURKISH FOLK DANCE CLASSES
Wednesday, Mar 4, 5:00-7:00pm, Blacksburg Public Library
On behalf of The Turkish Student Association, grad students Hakan Unveren and Duygu Pamukcu invite everyone to Turkish folk dance classes on Wednesdays between 5:00-7:00pm. Classes are free. Please contact duygu@vt.edu or uhakan@vt.edu for more information.

4. SPRING BREAK BREAKFAST 2020
Thursday, Mar 12, 10:00-11:00am, GLC Lobby
Sleep in a bit in honor of spring break, then have breakfast on us! Breakfast pastries, fruits and yogurt, coffee, tea and OJ await, brought to you by the Graduate School. Gluten free options will be served. Please complete this short survey to let us know that you are planning to attend and help us estimate food needs: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6tb7aWz6qU4nzCt.

5. LUTHERAN TRADITIONAL DIVINE SERVICE AND BIBLE STUDY
Every Sunday, 2:30pm-5:00pm, War Memorial Chapel
On behalf of the Lutheran Outreach at Virginia Tech (a ministry of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod), grad student Mark Parsons invites you to a Traditional Divine Service (3:30pm-5:00pm) and a preceding Bible Study (2:30pm-3:30pm) each Sunday in War Memorial Chapel. For more information, contact Mark at markap1@vt.edu

Administrative Announcements:
6. FOOD AND WATER RESEARCH STORYTELLING – 1st posting
Diversity Scholars Susan Chen and Maddy Grupper are compiling stories of food and water research for a science communication project. The goal of this project is to gather the stories and communities across the world that inspired you to do your food or water research.  If you are interested, we would like to hear your story over a free lunch.  The lunch and interview will take a maximum of 1 hour. All stories will be compiled into an ArcGIS Story Map that will be published by the Communicating Science Club. Interviews will take place on March 23-April 3. For more information or to schedule an interview, contact Susan Chen (schen518@vt.edu) and Maddy Grupper (maddyag@vt.edu). 

7. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD ON TUITION AND FEE INCREASES – 1st posting
Virginia Tech will hold a workshop on proposed tuition increases on Thursday, Mar 190 from 11:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at the Holtzman Alumni Center – Assembly Hall. The Board of Visitors is now receiving online comments and registration to speak is now open at the following link: https://bov.vt.edu/. Shared by Grad student Whitney Hayes.

8. NATIONAL BIOMECHANICS DAY (NBD) CELEBRATION – 1st posting
National Biomechanics Day (NBD) celebrates biomechanics principles, research, and innovation across the United States and around the world. This year, NBD at Virginia Tech will take place April 1 from 9:00am-1:50pm. They are looking for volunteers to help with the event in morning, lunch, and afternoon shifts! Approximately 100 high school students coming to campus to participate in hands-on activities hosted by labs in Biomedical Engineering, Engineering Science and Mechanics, Industrial Systems Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering. Lunch and t-shirt included! If interested in volunteering for NBD and/or would like more information about the event, contact Cherice Hughes-Oliver at cnh4ph@vt.edu.

9. MEMBERSHIP APPLICATIONS NOW ACCEPTED FOR GRAD HONOR SOCIETY – 2nd posting
Alpha Epsilon Lambda (AEL) Graduate Honor Society, the only academic excellence and leadership honor society of graduate and professional school students, is now accepting applications for new members at Virginia Tech Chapter. Graduate students may become members based on their academic achievements and leadership experiences. Minimum requirements for membership in the society are found on the website: https://ael.graduateschool.vt.edu/ael-application-process.html
Application call for new members will be open from March 1- April 30, 2020. Submit application here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScV9R9AvLl4qXgGa491WaMfTmS-qebCqUMov-6sRr3RLOma8Q/viewform?usp=sf_link. Accepted members will receive an email by May 15. The induction ceremony of new members is planned for late Fall 2020 semester. For more info, contact aelvtg@gmail.com

10. FREE ONE-ON-ONE NUTRITION GUIDANCE OFFERED BY NUTRITION STUDENTS – 2nd posting
Do you need nutrition guidance? Are you interested in learning how to make healthy choices while on campus and off campus? Maybe you need help with skills for shopping and cooking to help you reach you wellness goals. If you have any of these concerns or others, upper-level nutrition students can help you take the next steps toward building a healthier life. The Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise Department at Virginia Tech provides FREE one-on-one nutrition counseling services to any interested students, faculty, or staff.Just go to https://www.hnfe.vt.edu/nutrition_counseling.html and sign up today!

11. STUDIOS NETWORK WORKSHOPS SERIES- 2nd posting
More information and registration available at https://calendar.lib.vt.edu/calendar/events
* Fusion 360: Modeling/joints and assemblies, March 5 from 11:30am-1pm in Newman 207A
* Make Your Digital Life Safer and Easier: Multi-Factor Authentication (Part 2), March 17 from 4:30-5:30pm in Torgersen 3310
* Demystifying Machine Learning, March 18 from 10am-1pm in Newman 207A
* Build Your Online Presence with ePortfolios, March 18 from 4-5pm in Torgersen 3310 (located on Newman Library’s side of Torgersen Bridge)
* Intro to 3D Printing and Design, March 18 from 5-6:30pm in Newman 207A

12. JOIN THE VIRGINIA TECH ACADEMIC ADVISING NETWORK TODAY – 3rd posting
Membership is free and our mission is to share ideas and exchange information related to academic advising and student success strategies at Virginia Tech. A primary goal is to provide members with opportunities for professional development and peer support, ultimately building a strong community and network of resources to enhance student success through campus partnerships across and throughout the university community. Interested graduate students can email Amanda Armstrong, Chair of the Membership Committee to ask any questions or get connected with a subcommittee. This network is for any faculty, staff, or graduate student interested in academic advising. Advising does not have to be your primary role to be involved. The Advising Report for February is now available! Check out the full report here: https://vtaan.advising.vt.edu/events.html

13. VP FOR STUDENT AFFAIRS FINALIST INTERVIEW OPEN FORUM & RECEPTION – 3rd posting
All grad and professional students are invited to influence the selection of a new Vice President for Student Affairs! This position oversees many student-facing services including healthcare & wellness, mental health & the dean of students, athletics, residence life, and more. Because this department’s past leadership has generally focused exclusively on undergrads, this is a crucial opportunity to instigate an overhaul of the services for which we are already required to pay. Feel free to contact the Graduate Student Assembly (gsa@vt.edu) for additional context!
Open Forum: 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm, Reception: 4:40 pm – 5:30 pm
Location: Holtzman Alumni Center Assembly Hall
– Thursday, March 5, 2020: Dr. Dione Somerville
Candidate info, feedback forms, and Zoom links can be found here: https://faculty.vt.edu/leadership-development/senior-search-information.html

14. GRADUATE EDUCATION WEEK ART AND PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST – 3rd posting
It’s time to pull out that paintbrush or camera and create a submission for the Graduate Education Week Art and Photography contest! The contest theme is “Envision Your Future” and we are celebrating the 20th anniversary of Graduate Education Week.  Events held during this week will remember the past 20 years while also looking ahead at what the future holds. So, show us what the future looks like for you or how the past has shaped your future! Graduate students can enter up to 3 photographs or art pieces; deadline is March 15 by midnight.  For more details, visit https://graduatelifecenter.vt.edu/Programs/glc-art-and-photo-contest.html

15. CALL FOR ARTWORK SUBMISSION – 3rd posting
The Center for Rhetoric in Society presents Roots and Resettlement: An Artful Exploration of Place.
They seek creative and thoughtful submissions to feature in a mixed-media book about displacement, resettlement, place, and belonging. One notable submission will receive a cash prize of $500 and the cover feature. Open to all students, staff, and faculty. Submissions may include poems, songs, visual art, flash white papers, flash fiction, creative non-fiction, and scholarly statements. (Please keep text submissions under 50 words.) Email copy of submission to Ke Hu at hke@vt.edu. Please put “Roots and Resettlement Submission” in the subject line. Deadline: April 1, 2020.The event is sponsored by the Center for Rhetoric in Society and the In Place podcast team.

Jobs:
None at this time

Volunteers and research participants sought:
16. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR CONSUMER SURVEY (EDAMAME RESEARCH) – 1st posting
Edamame (vegetable soybean) consumption is increasing in the U.S. and Virginia Tech researchers are working on the development of improved varieties for local production. Researchers in the Food Science and Technology Department are conducting a web-based survey study to understand what motivates consumers in the U.S. to include, increase, and sustain edamame in their diets. The survey can be accessed here <https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/…/form/SV_0GtrQKpAYgVGXYx> and has 33 questions, which will take you no more than 20 minutes to complete. Must be 18+ years old to participate.
Questions or additional information? Please contact Renata Carneiro (rcvc@vt.edu).  

17. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR STUDY ON BERRIES – 1st posting
Starting March 2020 to October 2020, the purpose of this study is to evaluate sensory properties of berries from different growing regions. Participants will taste and smell different berries to develop descriptive sensory terms. There will be several “session blocks” to participate in. One session block equates to 4 days total (1-2 hours/day commitment). You can participate in as many session blocks as you desire. Takes place in HABB1 Building, Rm 205. Enjoy snacks and refreshments after each day. When a full session block is completed, the participant will receive an  Amazon gift card for their time and effort. Must be 18 years or older, not allergic to berries, and be available for the full session block. For more information, go to: https://vt.compusensecloud.com/edu/login.aspx?t=24285761-0b43-4e7c-93ff-7dcb847b757d8 or contact Dr. Katherine Phetxumphou (foodsensory@vt.edu).

18. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED – SIBLING STUDY – 2nd posting
The VT SibLab is recruiting participants for a study of stress and the sibling relationship. Participants are eligible if they a) are at least 18 years old, b) have at least one sibling, c) have no siblings with physical or intellectual disabilities, and d) have never had  a diagnosis of a mental illness themselves. Participation involves one 30-45 minute visit to 406 Wallace Hall, where non-invasive measures of blood pressure, heart rate, and skin conductance will be taken, and participants will complete a brief questionnaire. Compensation is a $10 Amazon gift card for study completion. If interested, please contact Dr. Carolyn Shivers at shivercm@vt.edu. 

19. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR FOOT AND ANKLE BIOMECHANICS STUDY – 2nd posting
The Granata Lab at Virginia Tech is looking for high or low arched participants in a biomechanics study. This study aims to determine how different foot postures (high, normal, and low arches) are affected by ankle braces during walking, running, and cutting. Participation consists of one visit that lasts approximately 60-90 minutes. Eligible subjects will be ages 18-30, have had no injury in the past 6 months that limited physical activity for more than 2 days, have no history of lower extremity surgery, and will be comfortable completing the athletic tasks. If you are interested in participating, please contact Laura Dickerson at lcdicker@vt.edu.

20. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED: KNOWLEDGE/PERCEPTION OF HIBISCUS PRODUCTS – 2nd posting
The Water INTERface Interdisciplinary Graduate Education Programs (IGEPs) is recruiting volunteers 18 years or older to participate in an online survey assessing consumers’ knowledge/perception of hibiscus products. Participants will be asked if they have consumed hibiscus products, under which form they have consumed such products, and their previous taste experience of those products. Participants will be provided with information on the benefits of hibiscus and asked how likely they are to purchase hibiscus drink products. The link to access the survey is https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8jeKpe5gAQTCPOJ and the time commitment to this survey is approximately 15 minutes. For more information contact Dr. Valisa Hedrick (vhedrick@vt.edu) or Dr. Neill Clinton (cneill@vt.edu) or Oumoule Ndiaye (oumoule7@vt.edu).

21. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED: MIND MUSIC MACHINE LAB PAINTING SONIFICATION PROJECT – 3rd posting
The Mind Music and Machine Lab at Virginia Tech is seeking individuals to participate in a research study to determine the effects of different image and data processing techniques on user perception of visual artworks. Will be asked to rate music that was generated from each painting along different subjective questions. Study will last approximately one hour. Each participant will receive a compensation of $10 for participation. For more information and to participate in this study, contact Chihab Nadri (cnadri@vt.edu). 
 
22. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED: DRIVING SIMULATOR STUDY ON AUDITORY DISPLAYS AT RAIL CROSSINGS – 3rd 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. Will be asked to drive in a driving simulator environment for 2 to 3 minutes before listening to various auditory alerts. Study will last approximately one hour. Each participant will receive a compensation of $10 for participation. For more information, contact Chihab Nadri (cnadri@vt.edu). Sign up here: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_aY09meRwbbMJ1Zj.
  
23. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR RESEARCH STUDY ON EXOSKELETONS – 3rd posting
Study will be assessing the effectiveness of wearable assistive devices. Must be 18-55 years old; have no current or recent history of musculoskeletal disorders that limit daily activities; and due to device fit, waist equal to 26” to 46”, torso length equal to 14.5” to 23”. Participant will be asked to bring shorts and t-shirt/sports bra. You will be asked to perform a series of overhead tasks without and with three exoskeletons. We will video record the sessions, but these videos will only be viewed by researchers on this study. One training session and two experimental sessions are required to complete this study (~3 hours each). Compensation: $10/hour. If interested, please email or call/text Denean Kelson at denean@vt.edu (225-717-0239).

24. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED: HATE CRIME AND FRESHMEN – 3rd posting
Volunteers needed for a study to explore how bias offenses differ between young adults and older populations. Participants must be 18 or older and a first-year freshman at Virginia Tech. During the study, you will be asked to do the following: read and acknowledge an Informed Consent Form and then take a Qualtrics survey. The survey will last approximately 15 minutes. If graduate students know eligible students who are interested, please direct them to https://tinyurl.com/ygcftj5d. For more information, please email Jonathan LLoyd at lloydj16@vt.edu.

Upcoming events:
VT KNIGHT-HENNESSY SCHOLARS PROGRAM INFO SESSION
Monday, Mar 16, 12:00-1:00pm, 325 Davidson Hall
Knight-Hennessy Scholars program develops a community of future global leaders to address complex challenges through collaboration and innovation. Every year up to 100 promising graduate students from around the world will gain valuable leadership skills through the experiential King Global Leadership Program and receive funding to pursue graduate education at Stanford. Seating is limited. Register at:  https://stanford.io/2Tfl5t5.

GAUC TALK WITH THE DEAN
Thursday, Mar 19, 12:00-1:00pm, Graduate Life Center (GLC) Room C
How’s your semester going so far? What are your thoughts about the graduate life experience here at Virginia Tech? Get some face-to-face time with Dr. Karen DePauw, Dean of the Graduate School, and share your thoughts with her and other students in the graduate community. Lunch and Gauc will be provided, and the event is free to all graduate students. Brought to you by the Graduate Student Assembly. Contact Cortney Steele at cnsteele@vt.edu with any questions. Please RSVP here.
VT WOMEN’S TENNIS
Thursday, Mar 19, 4:00pm, Burrows-Burleson Tennis Center
The next game in the GLC Fellows’ sports series is the VT Women’s tennis match on Mar 19th. If interested fill out this survey: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_57OHWfVvY0rzri5.  Please sign up if you need a ride as space in the vehicle from GLC to the tennis center is limited, you are also welcome to meet us there. This is a great opportunity to enjoy time with your fellow Hokies, watch a tennis match, and possibly learn something new!

2nd MEETING: SCIENCE POLICY EDUCATION & ADVOCACY CLUB (SPEAC) AT VT
Thursday, Mar 19, 5:00-6:00 pm, GLC Meeting Room C
Curious about science policy? Attend SPEAC’s next meeting! Guest speaker, Dr. Todd Schenk, will be explaining how policymaking works and how scientists and engineers can get involved in the process. The goal of SPEAC is to introduce members to careers and opportunities in science policy, help members develop effective communication skills, and empower members to get involved in shaping government and policy. SPEAC is a newly formed graduate student-run organization, but motivated undergraduate students and post-docs are also welcomed to join. For more information, email speacvt@gmail.com. Also connect on Twitter and Facebook (@speacvt).

CELEBRATE NOWRUZ (PERSIAN NEW YEAR 1399)
Friday, Mar 20, 6:00-10:30pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
On the first day of Spring, we celebrate the Iranian New Year, Nowruz. The event includes traditional Persian music, Stand-up comedy, dinner and dancing. Everyone is welcome to attend. Please purchase your tickets at https://campuslife.universitytickets.com/w/event.aspx?id=1409 until Mar 14. 

CHARTING YOUR CAREER: PANEL DISCUSSION WITH AWARD WINNING GRADUATE ALUMNI
Monday, Mar 23, 12:00-1:30pm, GLC Multipurpose Room https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2rVDO2SDvG2vJNH
Tuesday, Mar 24, 5:30-7pm, GLC Multipurpose Room https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0BtoPzrZ6kiS2gd
Friday, Mar 27, 12:00-1:30pm, GLC Multipurpose Room https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cSyUlYVYneEj4J7
Engage with past winners of graduate student awards who share their journey through graduate school and into the first years/decades of their career. Lunch/ dinner served; register online at links above. For more info on Graduate Education Week, go to https://graduateschool.vt.edu/student-life/graduate-education-week.html.

ESTABLISHING AND MAINTAINING A HEALTHY ADVISOR/ADVISEE RELATIONSHIP
Monday, Mar 23, 2:00pm, GLC Room C
Explore the dynamics of the advisor/advisee relationship and how to develop a strong foundation. Sign-up at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_esb1FCQaBVoqaNf.

GRADUATE STUDENT RESOURCES FORUM
Monday, Mar 23,5:00 to 6:30 p.m., Graduate Life Center – Multipurpose Room
Zoom link: https://virginiatech.zoom.us/j/447819281
This is an opportunity to ask university leadership questions and share your experiences. The conversation will be with representatives from the Graduate School, Dean of Students Office, Cook Counseling Center, and the Schiffert Health Center with a goal to meet the needs of a growing and diverse graduate student community.

MARCH SCIENCE ON TAP (FEATURING EMMA COLEMAN)
Thursday, Mar 26, 5:30-7pm at Rising Silo Brewery 
Emma Coleman, a PhD Candidate in the Civil Engineering Department will be sharing her interdisciplinary research journey of blending engineering and public health. She will discuss the mission of her research, which examines the association between bicycle commuting and heart disease. Need a ride or want to carpool with fellow grad students? The Communicating Science Club will be going to Rising Silo as a group. If you are interested in joining, please email Susan Chen (schen518@vt.edu). 

OVER 30s SOCIAL
Thursday Apr 2, 5:30 – 7:00 pm, Graduate Life Center, Multipurpose Room
Join fellow graduate students, meet the Dean, relax, and enjoy games, entertainment, and a heavy hors d’oeuvres. The event is free and all are welcome to attend. Please register at: http://bit.ly/2020Over30sSocial by Friday, Mar 27. For accommodations related to disabilities, please contact Justin Grimes at jgrimes18@vt.edu at least 72 hours in advance of the event.  

AFRICAN GRADUATE STUDENTS MENTORING WORKSHOP
Friday, Apr 3, 2:00-4:00pm, Library Multipurpose Room
As part of the Diversity Scholars Program (2020), Diversity Scholar Johnny C. Woods, Jr. is organizing an interdisciplinary mentoring workshop for African graduate students: “Embracing your identity in a foreign space: An interdisciplinary mentoring workshop for African Graduate Students.” The goal of the project is to facilitate a sense of belonging and to provide access to resources for academic success. The workshop will focus on the following areas: Tips for surviving graduate school as an African in the U.S – Perspectives of a former student; Accessing resources to manage academic bullying and conflict; Navigating the teaching space as an international student; Accessing small grants, fellowships, and academic publishing as an international student; and will be facilitated by Dr. Eunice Ofori, Instructional Designer with Learning Experience Design, TLOS; Dr. Bryan Hanson, Graduate School Ombudsperson; Dr. PS Polanah, Associate Professor/Sociology; and Dr. Ed Smith, Professor/Animal & Poultry Science.  If interested, register at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/AfricanGradMentoringWorkshop2020 by Tuesday, Mar 31. For more info contact Johnny C. Woods, Jr. at johnnycw@vt.edu.