March 8-14, 2021

This Week’s Events:     

0. Ongoing Services – updated 2/1/21    
1. INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY CELEBRATION
2. KIZITO MUKUNI PRESENTATION
3. THE ART OF NEGOTIATION SEMINAR
4. DIGITAL CONNECT: JOB AND INTERNSHIP SEARCHING
5. GO AND COME AGAIN: SEGREGATION, TOLERANCE, AND REFLECTION: A FOUR- GENERATION AFRICAN-AMERICAN EDUCATIONAL STRUGGLE
6. PURPOSE & LEADERSHIP FOR POSITIVE CHANGE WORKSHOP
7. GLC CAFÉ
8. RESCHEDULED: FREE AT LAST – MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. – A “DISCUSSION AND A CELEBRATION

Administrative Announcements:     
9. GRADUATE EDUCATION WEEK: MARCH 22-26 – 1st posting
10. GSA EXECUTIVE BOARD ELECTIONS APPLICATION DEADLINE MARCH 26 – 1st posting
11. FREE ONE-ON-ONE VIRTUAL NUTRITION GUIDANCE – 1st posting
12. GRADUATE STUDENTS TO BE FEATURED DURING GRAD EDUCATION WEEK – 2nd posting
13. GLC INTRAMURAL SPORTS – 2nd posting
14. COVID-19 VACCINE INFORMATION FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS – 3rd posting
15. COOK-ALONG CLASSES – REGISTER NOW – 3rd posting

Jobs:  
none at this time

Volunteers and research participants sought:     
16. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR PEDESTRIAN SAFETY SURVEY – 1st posting
17. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR EMOTION REGULATION AND EVALUATIONS OF LEADERS RESEARCH STUDY – 1st posting
18. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR RESEARCH STUDY ON THE EFFECT OF RISK INDICATORS AND THEIR VISUALIZATION OF OUTAGE SCHEDULES – 2nd posting
19. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR VIRTUAL REALITY RESEARCH STUDY – 2nd posting
20. GRAD STUDENTS NEEDED FOR FOOD, WATER AND COMMUNITIES RESEARCH STORIES – 3rd posting
21. VOLUNTEER EDITOR NEEDED FOR PODCAST – 3rd posting
22. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR PRIVATE DRINKING WATER SURVEY – 3rd posting

Upcoming Events:    
23. EFFECTIVE PRESENTATIONS: BUILDING CONFIDENCE AND PERSONAL PRESENCE – March 16 – Register now!
24. ST. PATRICK’S DAY COOKIE EVENT – March 17
25. FIWGSA 2021 BIOBLITZ – March 17-April 26 – Register now!
26. MAKING YOUR RESEARCH UNDERSTANDABLE: BRIDGING THE GAP – March 18 – Register now!
27. GRADUATE STUDENT GENERAL ASSEMBLY MEETING – March 18
28. ITSA WILDCARD WORKSHOP: BELLY DANCE – March 18
29. VTGrATE ANNUAL TEACH-IN: “VIRTUAL LEARNING” – March 23
30. NETWORKING TIPS FOR INTROVERTS – March 23
31. MAINTAINING CONNECTIONS WHILE WE ISOLATE? – March 24
32. FIWGSA CHIPOTLE FUNDRAISER FOR HUMBLE HIKES – March 24

0. Ongoing Services – updated 2/1/21     
· GRADUATE SCHOOL: In person drop-off or pick-up of documents and materials M-F 1:00-3:00pm, 120 GLC. 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. To make an appointment, visit: [https://vt-%20%0b%20%20ucc.titaniumhwc.com/ScheduleGraduateFirstCookConnect]https://vt-
  ucc.titaniumhwc.com/ScheduleGraduateFirstCookConnect
· WRITING CENTER SERVICES: Schedule an appointment at https://vt.mywconline.com/       
· GRADUATE OMBUDSPERSON: contact for appointment at gradstudentombud@vt.edu, 540-231-9573      

1. INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY CELEBRATION
Monday, March 8, 10am-3pm, In-person and Online
International Women’s Day  is a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. There will be a virtual and in-person (Blacksburg) options available.  The event includes a panel discussion facilitated by Maria Elisa Christie Ph.D., with Farida Jalalzai Ph.D., Helena Carvalho Ph.D., and Najla Mouchrek Ph.D., followed by a discussion period with students that will be led by a facilitator. Register for in-person: https://gobblerconnect.vt.edu/event/6702856 Register to participate virtually and collect your participation bag from Roanoke, Blacksburg, or NCR: 
https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0PQleqHRLZ85pvE This event is hosted by Cranwell International CenterFralin Life Sciences Institute, the Graduate School, the Office for Inclusion and Diversity, and the Women’s Center at Virginia Tech. If you have questions, email shernita@vt.edu.

2. KIZITO MUKUNI PRESENTATION 
Monday, March 8, 2pm, Zoom
Kizito Mukuni completed the graduate certificate in Multidisciplinary Research in International Development and will discuss his dissertation: Developing Guidelines for Using Video to Teach Procedural Skills in an Online Learning Environment Based on Gagné’s Nine Events of Instruction. To attend the presentation, please register here:  https://virginiatech.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMtdO2vqDwvHNW_GbjR4XQmLTWZivU_179y. Contact Caitlin Cook in the Global Education Office with questions: ccook18@vt.edu.

3. THE ART OF NEGOTIATION SEMINAR
Tuesday, March 9, 12-1pm, Zoom
Join the Graduate School for a seminar to learn tips about negotiations. Registration form: https://form.jotform.com/210394643886162. Questions, contact ORDI at ordi@vt.edu

4. DIGITAL CONNECT: JOB AND INTERNSHIP SEARCHING
Tuesday, March 9, 3:30-5pm, ZoomNot sure how to navigate the virtual job and internship search? Get tips and info from recruiters experienced in virtual hiring! Career and Professional Development invites you to register for our series of virtual panels and 1-on-1 conversations on job and internship searching, and working remotely. From 3:30-4:15 pm, hear from a panel of recruiters from Northrop Grumman, Meridien Group, and Captech Consulting. From 4:15-5:00 pm, get in virtual lines for the chance to have a brief 1-on-1 conversation with a company representative or career advisor. Registration required: https://app.joinhandshake.com/events/638203/share_preview

5. GO AND COME AGAIN: SEGREGATION, TOLERANCE, AND REFLECTION: A FOUR-GENERATION AFRICAN-AMERICAN EDUCATIONAL STRUGGLE
March 10, 12pm, Zoom 
A conversation with Dr. Jerry L. Jones, a VT alumnus, and author of the New York Times featured book,  Go and Come Again: Segregation, Tolerance, and Reflection: A Four-Generation African-American Educational Struggle. He will share his experiences as a black southwest Virginia native and ways he has continued to encourage others to find their path! All are welcome to attend this event. Registration Linkhttps://virginiatech.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_rJHkUKkrRRyzDdSMx0jACQ  Questions, contact ORDI at ordi@vt.edu  

6. PURPOSE & LEADERSHIP FOR POSITIVE CHANGE WORKSHOP
Thursday, March 11 or Thursday, March 25, 3:45-5pm, Zoom
Hokie students: join us for a guided personal reflection and conversation, leading to understanding of your unique purpose to make a positive difference at VT and beyond. Two opportunities to attend: Thursday, March 11, 3:45-5pm – sign-up here: dos.vt.edu/leadpurpose11march or Thursday, March 25, 3:45-5pm – sign-up here: dos.vt.edu/leadpurpose25march. This workshop is sponsored by VT Engage and the Dean of Students Office.

7. GLC CAFÉ – VIRTUAL AND TAKE-OUT EDITION
Thursday, March 11, 4-5:00pm, Zoom https://virginiatech.zoom.us/j/97678968202
Drop by 120 GLC and take a cup of coffee and some homemade goodies to-go! Can’t make it to the GLC – then pour yourself a cup of tea or coffee and join fellow grads and Grad School staff for some casual conversation and the occasional game via Zoom. If you have questions or concerns about this event, email Monika Gibson at gibsonm@vt.edu.  

8. RESCHEDULED: FREE AT LAST – MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. – A “DISCUSSION AND A CELEBRATION
Friday, March 12th, 6:30-8pm, Zoom Free.
Join us for guided discussion of the PBS Special Documentary “Free at Last – Martin Luther King, Jr.” We ask that attendees watch the video before attending to fully participate. Stay and share cultural artifacts if you’d like (you have the option of sharing food/recipes, beverages, art, poetry, music, etc.) as we expand our dialogue to examine our collective cultural souls. As an outcome, we hope to create a meaningful archive reflecting the meaning and purpose of cultural identity in the Virginia Tech Community. This event is free and hosted by the VT School of Education. For further details and to register, visit Free at Last Event

9. GRADUATE EDUCATION WEEK: MARCH 22-26 – 1st posting
Join the Graduate School in celebrating Graduate Education Week – March 22-26, 2021. This year’s theme is “Connect!” and events during the week will provide opportunities to connect to resources, connect to other students, connect to alumni, etc. Mark your calendars and visit the Graduate Education Week website for details. https://graduateschool.vt.edu/student-life/graduate-education-week.html

10. GSA EXECUTIVE BOARD ELECTIONS APPLICATION DEADLINE MARCH 26 – 1st posting
The Graduate Student Assembly (GSA) is opening the call for applications for the Executive Board positions in the GSA. The GSA represents the graduate student body of Virginia Tech. The elected officials will lead the organization’s operation, advocacy, and initiatives during the 2021 Calendar year. The 6 Executive Board positions, their primary duties, and responsibilities are detailed in the Candidate Application Package. All full-time graduate students interested in advocacy and improving the university’s environment for graduate students are strongly encouraged to apply. Completed Application Forms should be sent to the GSA Elections Chair Aidan Murphy <awmurphy@vt.edu>. General and position-specific inquiries can be directed to the current GSA Officers whose contact information can be found within the Application Package and in the GSA website. Applications are accepted until Friday, March 26th, 2021.

11. FREE ONE-ON-ONE VIRTUAL NUTRITION GUIDANCE – 1st posting
Seeking nutrition guidance? Are you interested in learning how to make food choices that support a healthy lifestyle? Maybe you need help with skills for shopping and cooking to help you reach your wellness goals. If you have any of these concerns or others, upper-level nutrition students are here to help. The Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise Department at Virginia Tech provides FREE one-on-one nutrition counseling services via Zoom to any interested students, faculty, or staff. Just go to https://www.hnfe.vt.edu/nutrition_counseling.html and sign up today!

12. GRADUATE STUDENTS TO BE FEATURED DURING GRAD EDUCATION WEEK – 2nd posting
Graduate Education Week is March 22-26 and part of our celebrations will include featuring graduate students on social media and/or posters as part of our “Who Is” series. If you would like to be featured please complete the following survey: https://forms.gle/S4W5L2e1pZHRwiw5A If you have questions, contact grads@vt.edu.

13. GLC INTRAMURAL SPORTS – 2nd posting
Do you enjoy playing sports? Are you interested in meeting other graduate students? The GLC Fellows would like to gauge interest for flag football, kickball, wiffleball, and sand volleyball intramural teams. Registration and more information are provided in this survey.

14. COVID-19 VACCINE INFORMATION FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS – 3rd posting
Information about the COVID-19 vaccination for graduate students can be found on the Graduate School’s Covid FAQ page here: https://graduateschool.vt.edu/fall2020-plan/covid-faqs.html This page will be updated as we learn more information and any updates will be distributed via this listserve as well.

  15. COOK-ALONG CLASSES – REGISTER NOW – 3rd posting
Association for India’s Development (AID) Blacksburg is organizing a series of cook-along classes, where they break down easy to make Indian dishes. They will have classes themed on tea, appetizers, and desserts from diverse regions of India. Zoom links and ingredient lists will be provided to participants after registration. The first class in the series is free, although donations to AID Blacksburg are encouraged. You can register here -> https://forms.gle/aoUHj8hsAsytR2ZdA
For any questions please contact Esha Dwibedi (esha@vt.edu).

16. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR PEDESTRIAN SAFETY SURVEY – 1st posting
Researchers from the Mind Music Machine Lab and Dr. Rafael Patrick are conducting research on pedestrian safety for VT students. Participants are required to answer a brief 5-10 minute survey: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eCJBaR81c2JfyIJ Eligible participants are current Virginia Tech students 18 years of age or older, living on campus, or traveling to campus (Blacksburg campus). Interested students can contact the undersigned research team members with any questions. (sanchitt@vt.edu, abhraneild@vt.edu) The research protocol for this experiment has been reviewed by the Virginia Tech Institutional Review Board (IRB #20-658).

17. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR EMOTION REGULATION AND EVALUATIONS OF LEADERS RESEARCH STUDY – 1st posting
You’re invited to participate in a dissertation study examining the impact of emotion regulation on evaluations of leaders. This is an online Zoom/Qualtrics study that will last about 50 minutes and you’ll receive a $10 Amazon gift card as compensation. During the session, you will watch a Pollock documentary and scenes from the TV show “The Office” and may be asked to regulate your emotions as you watch these videos. This part of the study will be video-recorded on Zoom. Then you will watch more videos of a leader and business managers and answer some surveys related to what you have watched. You need to be 18+ and proficient in English to participate. Please contact Elsheba Abraham at elsheba@vt.edu if you’re interested! IRB# 20-336


18. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR RESEARCH STUDY ON THE EFFECT OF RISK INDICATORS AND THEIR VISUALIZATION OF OUTAGE SCHEDULES – 2nd posting
We are recruiting participants to evaluate a web-based application that visualizes risk and tracks scheduling in outages of nuclear power plants. The experiment will be conducted in Whittemore 529. You will be compensated at $15 for your time (~75 mins total). The research protocol for this study is approved by VT IRB No. 18-825. This study is funded by the Nuclear Energy University Program (NEUP) of the Department of Energy. Eligible participants are current Virginia Tech students 18 years of age or older, with normal or corrected to normal vision. If interested, please contact Anirudh More by email [anirudh1@vt.edu] or phone [540-449-8793] to schedule a time for the data collection.

19. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR VIRTUAL REALITY RESEARCH STUDY – 2nd posting
The Virginia Cognitive System Engineering Lab at Virginia Tech is seeking students to participate in a Research Study (IRB #19-553) to determine what types of sensory techniques/aides in the VR Whack-a-mole game will deliver the best performance. Participants will be asked to play whack-a-mole in a Virtual Space while guarding themselves from projectiles coming from behind them. You will be wearing an HTC VIVE VR Headset as well as handle two controllers. The study should take no more than one hour per participant. You will receive a compensation of $10/hr in cash for your contribution, you will need to provide your name and signature in order to receive the payment. Please note that you must be 18+ years old and have 20/20 visual acuity (good vision) or better, you cannot wear glasses during the study. If you are interested please contact Gram Hsing (ghsing@vt.edu).

20. GRAD STUDENTS NEEDED FOR FOOD, WATER AND COMMUNITIES RESEARCH STORIES – 3rd posting
The editors for Food, Water, and Communities, an ArcGIS StoryMap created and managed by VT graduate students and sponsored by the Center for Communicating Science, are currently recruiting graduate student writers. Food, Water, and Communities stories humanize the reasons scientists conduct research by highlighting communities that have had their fundamental resources impacted by climate change or anthropogenic effects. Interested writers should email Susan Chen (schen518@vt.edu) and Maddy Grupper (maddyag@vt.edu) by March 15th with a 3-5 sentence description of a story of a specific community that has faced a food or water challenge, which has since inspired the graduate students in their work. If selected, writers will be contacted to contribute a full story for the StoryMap. Four authors will be selected to write 500-700 word stories. Authors will be compensated $100 for their work. For more information and to view previous stories, visit https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/b438bb7872864c798c414b31477f9e76

21. VOLUNTEER EDITOR NEEDED FOR PODCAST – 3rd posting
“Big Lick of Science” is a student-led podcast founded in 2019 by graduate students at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute on the Roanoke Campus of Virginia Tech. We have the dual missions of: (1) providing accessible and digestible science for the lay public while also (2) highlighting the world-class science conducted in Roanoke and Blacksburg by Virginia Tech faculty, students, and post-docs. In service of these missions, the podcast has been nationally recognized as the recipient of a Research! America Civic Engagement Microgrant. For a sample of our work, please visit https://abiglickofscience.libsyn.com/. We are looking for an editor to edit the episodes and trim them for content. The position is open to graduate and undergraduate students as well as post-doctoral fellows. If interested, please contact Paras Patel (ppatel17@vt.edu) for more information.

22. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR PRIVATE DRINKING WATER SURVEY – 3rd posting
First-year BSE graduate student, Charles Sterling, is seeking graduate students who are living on private drinking water to complete a survey. Students may be offered a subsidized water test. If you have question, contact Charles at csterlin@vt.edu. Survey link: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_dgSXj0Yja7dZFum

Upcoming Events: 

23. EFFECTIVE PRESENTATIONS: BUILDING CONFIDENCE AND PERSONAL PRESENCE
Tuesday, March 16, 12-1pm, Zoom
It is said that the thought of public speaking is more frightening to many people than death. In this Pinch-of-Practice workshop participants use role-play and improvisation to begin to develop the self-confidence and audience awareness required to deliver presentations that have memorable impact. Come learn a few relaxation techniques, develop awareness of the many ways in which we communicate, turn off your inner critic, and have fun! Open to Virginia Tech graduate students and faculty. Capacity: 25 Facilitated by Patty Raun, Director, Center for Communicating Science. Register here:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pop-effective-presentations-building-confidence-and-personal-presence-tickets-138858833509

24. ST. PATRICK’S DAY COOKIE EVENT
Wednesday, March 17, 1-3 pm, GLC 120
No better way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day than by enjoying tasty, holiday-inspired cookies! So, the GLC Fellows are bringing your favorite cookies right to you. Please let us know if you will be available to enjoy these delicious cookies by filling out this survey.

25. FIWGSA 2021 BIOBLITZ
March 17-April 26
The Fish & Wildlife Graduate Student Association (FIWGSA) is hosting a virtual BioBlitz competition this spring for people to get out into nature and identify a bunch of different critters (flyer here)! Teams of up to 3 people will use the iNaturalist app to log different critter observations. FIWGSA 2021 BioBlitz iNaturalist page found here. To register a team, fill out this form here, and teams can be registered until April 16th. Registration Fee – $10 per person. Cash prizes for teams with the most collective observations and teams with the most of a single taxa group (Birds, Herps, Mammals, Plants, Fish, and Invertebrates) get custom taxa stickers. You can participate anywhere and do not need to be in Virginia – more information is coming soon!  Any questions, please email project coordinators Brogan Holcombe (brogan@vt.edu) or Mikayla Call (mncall@vt.edu).

26MAKING YOUR RESEARCH UNDERSTANDABLE: BRIDGING THE GAP
Thursday, March 18, 12-1pm, Zoom
Specialized language and detailed explanations can be very useful within disciplinary groups. Jargon can save us a lot of time when we are talking to those who understand it, but too much complexity or in-group language can exclude the people we most need to connect with. This Pinch-of-Practice workshop will help you address the Curse of Knowledge and manage the downside of jargon. Open to Virginia Tech graduate students and faculty. Capacity: 25 Facilitated by Patty Raun, Director, Center for Communicating Science. Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/making-your-research-understandable-bridging-the-gap-tickets-138859627885

27. GRADUATE STUDENT GENERAL ASSEMBLY MEETING
Thursday, March 18, 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.      

28. ITSA WILDCARD WORKSHOP: BELLY DANCE
Thursday, March 18, 7-8pm, Zoom
Ever wanted to move like Shakira? Join us to learn how! Led by professional belly dance instructor Sammie Giridhar of the University of Hawaii, this workshop will show you the ropes when it comes to shaking and shimmying. The event is pay-what-you-can with a suggested donation of $5 to the Instructional Technology Student Association (ITSA)| Register for Zoom details| Donate to ITSA| Add to Google Calendar| Follow Sammie on FacebookQuestions? Contact Ginny Clark at vclark@vt.edu.

29. VTGrATE ANNUAL TEACH-IN: “VIRTUAL LEARNING”
Tuesday, March 23, 3-6pm, Zoom
VTGrATE Fellows and special guests will bring workshops on Accessibility, Digital Etiquette, Student Accountability & Flexibility, and Virtual Collaboration & Engagement. An exciting panel composed of faculty & instructors of record at different kinds of academic institutions: boarding schools, community college and R1 will talk about teaching excellence and getting a job in the facilitated discussion: Applying for Academia.  Pre-registration is required. Please visit: https://tinyurl.com/d8s2rher. For more details and to see the full Teach-In schedule, with descriptions and information about our presenters, please visit http://vtgrate.org /. 

30. NETWORKING TIPS FOR INTROVERTS
Tuesday, March 23, 4:00-5:00pm, Zoom
Does the word “networking” bring chills down your spine as an introvert? Attend this career development workshop designed for introverted graduate students to learn important strategies to overcome your fear of networking!! Extroverts looking for networking tips are welcome, too! This session is led by Alyssa Rametta, Career and Professional Development. Sign-up on Handshake: https://vt.joinhandshake.com/events/643511/share_preview

31. MAINTAINING CONNECTIONS WHILE WE ISOLATE?
Wednesday, March 24, 10:00-11:00am, Zoom: https://virginiatech.zoom.us/j/81064681285
In this session, we will provide an opportunity for open conversation around some of the challenges grad students might experience around making and maintaining connections. Session hosted by Bryan Hanson, Graduate Student Ombudsperson and Rita Klein, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Cook Counseling Center. 

32. FIWGSA CHIPOTLE FUNDRAISER FOR HUMBLE HIKES 
Wednesday, March 24th, 5-9 pm – Main Street Chipotle – Flyer here
The Fish & Wildlife Graduate Student Association (FIWGSA) is hosting a restaurant fundraiser at the North Main Street Chipotle on March 24th from 5-9 pm. Proceeds will support the Humble Hikes program of Roanoke, VA, in covering transportation costs to and from events. The Humble Hikes program aims to expose Black youth to the outdoors and provides the chance to expand the youth’s horizons and experience the world around them in a positive and healthy way. FLYER MUST BE SHOWN AT CHECKOUT – if ordering online, use promo code AZBNMVB. Any questions, please email Brogan Holcombe (brogan@vt.edu)