IN THIS BULLETIN:
Did You Know?
Did you know that the Office of Recruitment, Diversity, and Inclusion has launched a series of monthly virtual discussions focused on recruitment and retention support for graduate students called Jigsaw Connect? See the Recruitment page, https://graduateschool.vt.edu/recruitment.html, for more details.
Did you know that graduate students can get COVID-19 tests at Schiffert Health Center? The center now is offering tests seven days a week. More information is on the VT Ready site.
Did you know that Virginia Tech now has a COVID-19 information hotline that is staffed seven days a week? The number is 540-231-7600.
Meetings, Workshops, & Events
Deadlines & Dates to Remember
Policy Updates
Administrative Announcements
1. Edward Bouchet Honor Society Nomination Period Open
2. Diversity Scholars Program
3. Reminder: GRE Waiver Information Request
4. Graduate Student Exit Survey
5. International Students and Spring Semester
Meetings, Workshops, & Events
Deadlines & Dates to Remember
Policy Updates
Administrative Announcements
1. Edward Bouchet Honor Society Nomination Period Open
The Edward Alexander Bouchet Graduate Honor Society (Bouchet Society) recognizes outstanding scholarly achievement and promotes diversity and excellence in doctoral education and the professoriate. We are seeking nominations for graduate students who are within 1-2 semesters of completing their doctoral degree. Find out more at https://graduateschool.vt.edu/about/diversity/bouchet-society.html. Nomination deadline is Nov. 23rd. Please email shernita@vt.eduif you have any questions.
2. Diversity Scholars Program
Diversity scholars are graduate students who specialize in and advocate for the awareness, knowledge, and skills associated with diversity and inclusion in the Graduate School and greater community. Nominations are due by December 8th and applications are due by December 15th. Find out more at https://graduateschool.vt.edu/about/diversity/diversity-scholars.html and consider nominating a student! Please email ORDI@vt.edu if you have any questions.
3. REMINDER: GRE Waiver Information Request
The Office of Recruitment, Diversity, and Inclusion is completing a comprehensive list of programs that are waiving the GRE for the coming application season. Please let us know by completing this brief survey https://forms.gle/g7uVG9EZNAKBKvMa9. or email your response to ORDI@vt.edu.
4. Graduate Student Exit Survey
The Graduate School could use your help encouraging students who are graduating in December to complete the Exit Survey found in their Student Checklist. The survey addresses topics such as career plans, preparedness, skill obtainment, and satisfaction with factors related to their program and advisor. This data is not only helpful to the graduate school, but is data we want to be able to share with you all as well. In order to make this meaningful, there needs to be maximum participation from students. Any questions can be directed to Kacy Lawrence at klawr5@vt.edu
5. International Students and Spring Semester
Cranwell International Center recently released the following message regarding Spring semester:
As you may be aware, Virginia Tech recently announced its plans for spring semester. Cranwell International Center understands that international students may have a lot of questions regarding the impact of the university’s plans on their immigration status. International students may especially have questions regarding how many online courses they are allowed to take versus in-person or hybrid courses. In order to help you understand some of these questions (and current answers to them), please note the following:
At this time, there have been no updates from by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regarding this issue. Therefore, Cranwell International Center will continue to advise new and continuing international students based on the current guidance as outlined in our most recent memo (Impact of the SEVP/DHS March 9 and March 13 Guidance on International Student at Virginia Tech) from July 24, 2020:
- Continuing international students with SEVIS record in Active status may enroll in any combination of in-person, online, and/or hybrid courses for the spring semester that best suits their academic, health, and other needs (including 100% online) as long as they remain enrolled in a full-time course of study.
- New international students with SEVIS records in Initial status are not allowed to enroll in a full-time course of study that is 100% online. They may enroll in any combination of in-person, online, and/or hybrid courses for the spring semester that best suits their academic, health, and other needs as long as they are enrolled in a full-time course of study that is not 100% online. These students may need assistance finding in-person or hybrid courses.
Full-time requirements are a minimum of 12 credits for undergraduate students, 9 credits for graduate students without an assistantship, or 12 credits for graduate student with an assistantship; students who will be in their final semester and do not require full-time enrollment to complete their degree program may apply through their International Student Advisor in Cranwell International Center for a Reduced Course Load.
Please note that DHS policy on this and other immigration issues is subject to change at any time, so it is extremely important that you continue to reach out to Cranwell International Center with any questions. You may also reference our Fall 2020 FAQ page for updates.
We know that this uncertainty can create significant anxiety for students. Please do not hesitate to reach out to the International Student Advisor in Cranwell International Center assigned to your college/school/department if you have any questions. Aside from the general information above, please do not attempt to address immigration questions. Refer them to Cranwell International Center.