This Week’s Events:
0. Ongoing Services – updated 1/4/20
1. UNDERSTANDING AND MANAGING YOUR ASSISTANTSHIP
2. VIRTUAL LUNCH WITH THE DEAN
3. GLC CAFÉ: SPRING 2021 KICK OFF EDITION
4. GRADUATE STUDENT GENERAL ASSEMBLY MEETING
5. GLOBAL TRIVIA NIGHT
6. 10th ANNUAL MLK SEMINAR: “INTELLIGENCE PLUS CHARACTER – EDUCATION AS FORCE FOR LIBERATION”
Administrative Announcements:
7. COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA ENGINEERING AND SCIENCE (COVES) SUMMER FELLOWSHIP SEEKING APPLICANTS – 1st posting
8. RESEARCH TOOLS FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS WORKSHOP SERIES – REGISTER NOW! – 2nd posting
9. VTGrATE INVITES MEMBERSHIP AND ADVANCEMENT APPLICATIONS FOR SPRING 2021 – 2nd posting
10. GRADUATE STUDENTS INVITED TO SUBMIT WRITING (SPRING 2021) – 3rd posting
Jobs:
11. FULL-TIME GRA OPENING FOR SPRING/SUMMER 2021 – 2nd posting
Volunteers and research participants sought:
12. GRADUATE STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE NEEDED FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SUPPORT TEAM – 1st posting
13. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR PERCEPTIONS OF AUGMENTED REALITY (AR) IN INDUSTRIAL ENVIRONMENTS STUDY – 2nd posting
Upcoming Events:
14. A CONVERSATION WITH SANKOFA DANZAFRO – January 25
15. UNDERSTANDING AND MANAGING YOUR ASSISTANTSHIP – January 26
16. VIRTUAL WRITING SERIES: A FORK IN THE ROAD: BETTER WAYS TO WRITING SUCCESS – January 26
17. COMMUNITY CHANGE COLLABORATIVE WELCOME MEETING – January 26
18. VIRTUAL DANCE WORKSHOP WITH SANKOFA DANZAFRO – January 26
19. VIRTUAL CAREER FAIR SUCCESS – January 27
20. VTGrad PAINT GRAB-N-GO – Register now! – February 2
21. SUPPORT GROUP: EXPLORING PURPOSE & MEANING – DEAN OF STUDENTS & 21. COOK COUNSELING CENTER – Register now! – February 2
22. GRADUATE SCHOOL VIRTUAL RESOURCE FAIR – February 3
23. VIRTUAL PUBLIC TALK WITH SAGE CRUMP – February 4
0. Ongoing Services – updated 1/4/21
· GRADUATE SCHOOL ADVISING: No walk-in advising. 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, Tuesdays 10am-12pm and Thursdays and Fridays 3pm-5pm, Zoom links found here. (Starts first week of class)
· WRITING CENTER SERVICES: Schedule an appointment at https://vt.mywconline.com/
· GRADUATE OMBUDSPERSON: contact for appointment at gradstudentombud@vt.edu, 540-231-9573
1.UNDERSTANDING AND MANAGING YOUR ASSISTANTSHIP
Wednesday, January 20, 12-1pm, Zoom
Learn about benefits, rights and responsibilities associated with your new assistantship position and how to get the most out of your assistantship experience. Register here: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8J3F6npnDfUzuYJ
2.VIRTUAL LUNCH WITH THE DEAN
Thursday, January 21, 12-1pm, Zoom
Meet Dr. Karen DePauw, Vice President and Dean for Graduate Education, and ask any questions you may have. Feel free to eat your lunch while chatting with Dr. DePauw and other grad students. Register now: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8prXRBwHiskFI3j
3. GLC CAFÉ: SPRING 2021 KICK OFF EDITION
Thursday, January 21, 4:00pm, Zoom https://virginiatech.zoom.us/j/97678968202
Start the semester with a special-edition GLC Café for new and returning students. Play a trivia game about graduate school and the GLC and you may win a gift certificate to local coffee shops. 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.
4. GRADUATE STUDENT GENERAL ASSEMBLY MEETING
Thursday, January 21, 5:30-7:00pm, Online via Zoom
As a graduate student enrolled at Virginia Tech, you’re automatically a member of GSA, and are welcome to attend 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 PM the GA and VP arriving at the meeting to indicate your attendance. More information about the organization can be found online at http://bit.ly/GSA_Gen_Assembly
5. GLOBAL TRIVIA NIGHT
Thursday, January 21, 7pm, Zoom
All Virginia Tech students are welcome to join this virtual event! Answer questions about world cultures, geography, food, history, language, and more to win a prize at the end of each round. Sign-up here: https://tinyurl.com/yxevdsmo
6. 10th ANNUAL MLK SEMINAR: “INTELLIGENCE PLUS CHARACTER – EDUCATION AS FORCE FOR LIBERATION”
Friday, January 22, 12-1pm, Zoom/YouTube
Martin Luther King said that “the function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education”. In this address we will explore the full meaning of this holistic view of the education process, and the ways in which if internalized, it grants us opportunities to shape our own futures. This seminar will be led by Dr. Bryan Dewsbury, Associate Professor in Biological Science at University of Rhode Island. For more information about this event and to find the Zoom/YouTube links, visit Tenth Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Webinar | Biological Sciences | Virginia Tech (vt.edu) This event is hosted by the Biological Sciences Diversity Committee.
7. COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA ENGINEERING AND SCIENCE (COVES) SUMMER FELLOWSHIP SEEKING APPLICANTS – 1st posting
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. 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 also are paired with a mentor. The program includes a stipend. The Graduate School will submit three finalists for the fellowship program to the Academy, which will then choose one to represent the university in the program. More information about the program, information session dates, and to access the application materials, visit the COVES Fellowship webpage on the Graduate School website. The application deadline is March 1.
8. RESEARCH TOOLS FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS WORKSHOP SERIES – REGISTER NOW! – 2nd posting
There’s a lot to learn in graduate school, and the library can help! This spring, the library will offer a series of free workshops (offered live via Zoom) to help you develop the research skills you need to succeed in graduate school. Learn about literature reviews and database searching, citation management, data management, scholarly publishing, and developing your scholarly presence. For registration links and detailed information about each workshop, visit guides.lib.vt.edu/gradworkshops. Questions? Email Lisa Becksford at lisab5@vt.edu.
9. VTGrATE INVITES MEMBERSHIP AND ADVANCEMENT APPLICATIONS FOR SPRING 2021 – 2nd posting
The VT Graduate Academy for Teaching Excellence invites applications from all graduate students interested in achieving excellence in teaching and joining the ranks of exemplary graduate students and alumni. Application requirements for the three levels of membership are based on prior experience i.e., member, associate, and fellow and are available on our website. The application cycle closes on February 21, 2021 (Sunday) at midnight. Questions about the application process may be directed to our email vtgrate@vt.edu or through our Ask a Fellow page.
10. GRADUATE STUDENTS INVITED TO SUBMIT WRITING (SPRING 2021) – 3rd posting
The online platform for graduate student essays, RE: Reflections and Explorations, offered through the VT Institute for Policy and Governance (VTIPG), is a great vehicle to share your research ideas and work with a broader audience and to hone your analytical and writing capabilities too. All VT graduate students are eligible to offer essays as long as they address a policy, politics or governance issue or concern. Graduate students in Agricultural, Leadership and Community Education, ASPECT, Government and International Affairs, Human Development, Natural Resources, Public Administration and Public Affairs, Planning, Governance and Globalization, Political Science, Rhetoric and Writing, Science and Technology Studies, Sociology and Urban Affairs and Planning are particularly encouraged to submit essays. Please read the submission guidelines here.To find examples of past topics, please review archived essays or see the published volumes that have thus far arisen from the series; (1 and 2). Dr. Max Stephenson, Professor of Public and International Affairs and Director of VTIPG, serves as editor and final arbiter of all submissions. Sign up now for a time slot for publication that suits your schedule using this Google Spreadsheet. When you sign up, please also send a brief 100-150-word abstract outlining what topic or concern you believe you will be considering in your submission to Heather Parrish (parrish1@vt.edu). That effort should provide a working title and clearly treat what policy or governance issue you expect to consider and suggest why it is significant. Available dates will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Questions? Please contact Ms. Parrish at the Institute for Policy and Governance.
11. FULL-TIME GRA OPENING FOR SPRING/SUMMER 2021 – 2nd posting
Commonwealth Cyber Initiative (CCI) seeks a full-time GRA to assist with several ongoing projects including autonomous vehicles, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), Internet of Things, 5G and Beyond, AI/ML in wireless network, broadband communication, and new radio systems. Qualified candidates will have: a background in wireless communication and/or computer network; a good understanding of wireless communications, including signal processing, digital modulations, channel estimation, radio frequency; and experience with Python, C++; Hands on experience with Software Defined Radio devices and IoT devices; be familiar with LTE and 5G technologies in 3GPP standards; be familiar with open source environment development and have experience with computational tools. For more information or if interested in applying, contact Dr. Aloizio DaSilva (CCI 5G Testbed Director) aloiziops@vt.edu or Dr. Ying Wang (Lead 5G Engineer) ywang06@vt.edu. This could lead to a Fall/Spring 21- 22 contract.
12. GRADUATE STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE NEEDED FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SUPPORT TEAM – 1st posting
Are you interested in supporting international undergraduate students? Do you recognize the unique challenges that face international students when they begin their studies in the United States? If so, you may be interested in serving as the graduate student representative for the International Student Support Team, ISST. Established within the Center for the Enhancement of Engineering Diversity, CEED, three years ago this organization focuses on the immediate needs of the engineering international students at Virginia Tech. This organization has a leadership team of 9 undergraduate students across a variety of engineering disciplines, and the graduate student representative provides support to the team in many ways. One of the major roles for this position is serving as the liaison between administration or faculty and the undergraduate leadership team. This position would start immediately with time to shadow the current graduate representative and would run through May 2022. Please email the current graduate student in this role, Tawni Paradise, at tawnip92@vt.edu for more information about this position and to express interest.
13. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR PERCEPTIONS OF AUGMENTED REALITY (AR) IN INDUSTRIAL ENVIRONMENTS STUDY – 2nd posting
If you have experience working in industrial environments such as factories, pre-fabrication, manufacturing, supply chain, or similar, you are invited to complete a survey about the feasibility of using Augmented Reality (AR) for doing work in these environments. The survey asks you about your experiences working in these environments and how a proposed AR system called “The Mobile Office” might impact workers’ productivity. The survey takes about 15 minutes to be completed and participation is confidential and completely voluntary. There is no compensation for completing the survey. The contact for this project is Daniel Linares (dlinares@vt.edu). This study was reviewed by the VT IRB under protocol IRB-20-954. To complete the survey please visit: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_55ceBuovq3NG7yZ
Upcoming Events:
14. A CONVERSATION WITH SANKOFA DANZAFRO
Monday, January 25, 2pm Est
Free; registration required at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-conversation-with-sankofa-danzafro-registration-135742053135 Featuring artistic director Rafael Palacios and Yndira Perea. Moderated by Nestor Alejandro Santa Cano. Hosted by the Moss Arts Center.
15. UNDERSTANDING AND MANAGING YOUR ASSISTANTSHIP
Tuesday, January 26, 12-1pm, Zoom
Learn about benefits, rights and responsibilities associated with your new assistantship position and how to get the most out of your assistantship experience. Register here: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_dhYXeo1GHyRaiWx
16. VIRTUAL WRITING SERIES: A FORK IN THE ROAD: BETTER WAYS TO WRITING SUCCESS
Tuesday, January 26, 12-1pm, Zoom
On behalf of the Graduate School Office of Recruitment, Diversity, and Inclusion, we would like to invite you to the virtual writing series with Dr. Monique Dufour, Assistant Professor in the Department of History, and Dr. Justin Grimes, Assistant Director of the Office of Recruitment, Diversity, and Inclusion. You will have opportunities to learn about ways to enhance your writing skills. These FREE events (registration required) will be virtual (via Zoom) from 12-1 pm on the fourth Tuesday of each month in the Spring semester with the first event on January 26th. Registration for the event at http://bit.ly/VTVWR21.
17. COMMUNITY CHANGE COLLABORATIVE WELCOME MEETING
Tuesday, January 26, 4-5pm
The Community Change Collaborative (CCC) is eager to have new members! The CCC is an interdisciplinary graduate student group overseen by the VT Institute for Policy and Governance (VT-IPG). For over a decade, CCC members have gained a network and experience via world class speakers’ engagements, leadership in local and international community-based research projects, graduate student-run Community Change Journal, faculty forums, film screenings, podcast series and more. We welcome members from all backgrounds who are curious or passionate about community change and development. Interested in joining? Contact Neda Moayerian (mneda14@vt.edu) and we can add you to our list-serv so you don’t miss out!
18. VIRTUAL DANCE WORKSHOP WITH SANKOFA DANZAFRO
Tuesday, January 26, 7pm Est
Join members of Sankofa Danzafro from the comfort of your home to learn numerous Afro-Colombian dance styles, including bullerengue, abozao, currulao, tamborito, and salsa choque. This virtual workshop is open to all skill levels. Wear comfortable clothes, make some space to move, have water nearby for hydration, and bring an open mind to experience something new! Register at https://artscenter.vt.edu/experiences/virtual-workshop-salsa-choque.html This event is free. Registration is required. Hosted by the Moss Arts Center.
19. VIRTUAL CAREER FAIR SUCCESS
Wednesday, January 27, 4-5pm, Online
All VT career fairs will be on Brazen this semester. Learn how to navigate this platform, how to prepare for a virtual career fair, and how to stand out in a virtual fair as a graduate student. Questions about this workshop may be directed to the Graduate School Career Advisor: alyssarametta@vt.edu. Sign-up now: https://vt.joinhandshake.com/events/643415/share_preview
20. VTGRAD PAINT GRAB-N-GO – Register now!
Tuesday, February 2, 2-3pm, Zoom
There is always time to have fun. Remember the first time you picked up a brush and paint. Let’s recreate that moment. The Office of Recruitment, Diversity, and Inclusion has reserved some paint Grab-N-Go kits for graduate students. Students must click here to register to participate. Selected participants will receive an email with pick-up instructions for their campus location and join others on February 2nd from 2-3 pm who will also be painting via Zoom.
21. SUPPORT GROUP: EXPLORING PURPOSE & MEANING – DEAN OF STUDENTS & COOK COUNSELING CENTER – Register now!
Tuesday, February 2, 3:30-5pm, Zoom
Safe space for students to talk about personal experiences and thoughts & explore together questions of purpose and meaning in life. Opportunity to reflect about diverse worldviews and values, and engage in creative activities to develop an active pursuit of life goals. Sessions via Zoom every other Tuesday 3:30-5pm, from Feb 2 to Apr 27. More info and registration at dos.vt.edu/purposegroup
22. GRADUATE SCHOOL VIRTUAL RESOURCE FAIR
Wednesday, February 3, 1-4pm, Online
The Office of Recruitment, Diversity, and Inclusion, is hosting a FREE virtual resource fair to directly connect you to support services! Learn valuable information regarding future programming, family and academic support, mental health services, and more! Students, faculty, and staff are welcome to participate and will need to sign-up in Brazen https://app.brazenconnect.com/a/vt-grad-school/e/0Zovv. Campus units interested in hosting a booth will be sent a link individually. Questions? Please contact Dr. Shernita Lee at ordi@vt.edu.
23. VIRTUAL PUBLIC TALK WITH SAGE CRUMP
Thursday, February 4, 4-5pm, Online
The Community Change Collaborative and School of Performing Arts are proud to host a virtual public talk with Ms. Sage Crump. Sage is an artist, culture strategist and facilitator who supports cultural workers/arts organizations involved in social justice to build social movements. The event is free and open to the public. Please register via the RSVP link. For questions contact Neda Moayerian (mneda14@vt.edu)