GRADUATE SCHOOL BULLETIN
A publication of the Graduate School for Graduate Program Directors and Coordinators
The Graduate School communicates through semi-monthly postings distributed on the Graduate Program Directors and Coordinators listservs. Postings are distributed on the 1st and the 16th of the month and are posted to a blog for public viewing here: https://monthlymemo.graduateschool.vt.edu/
September 1, 2024
IN THIS BULLETIN:
Meetings, Workshops, & Events
- Virtual Grad School Showcase Registration Open to Sep 12
Deadlines & Dates to Remember
None at this time.
Policy Updates
None at this time.
Administrative Announcements
- Request for Samples of Annual Progress Report departmental form
- SteppingBlocks Graduate Insights Access
- Inclusion and Diversity Requirement
- Recommendations and Resources for Faculty/GTAs in Establishing Class “Norm of Inclusion”
- Nominate a Graduate Student for the K. Patricia Cross Future Leaders Award
- Fee Waivers for HBCU Graduates
- Professional Development Opportunities from the CIRTL Network
_______________________________________________
Meetings, Workshops, & Events
1. Virtual Grad School Showcase Registration Open to Sep 12
Graduate programs are invited to register for the Virtual GraduateSchool Showcase on Oct 18, hosted by Georgia Tech. The virtual format allows participants to connect with prospective students from across the world — last year more than 1,700 registrants attended. If you have any questions or need further assistance with the registration process, please email gtgradshowcase@gatech.edu. Learn more and register at: https://gradshowcase.oue.gatech.edu/recruiter-registration-info-page/.
2. Request for Samples of Annual Progress Report Departmental Form
The GraduateSchool is collecting a copy of each department’s annual progress review form as we work to establish standards, a timeline, and a convenient submission method for this review process. Please send a blank copy (pdf, word, screenshot) of your department’s annual program review form to Janice Austin (jema@vt.edu) by Friday, September 16, 2024. Thank you for your help with this project!
3. SteppingBlocks Graduate Insights Access
At the August Graduate Program Directors meeting we were joined by a representative from SteppingBlocks who presented a new product providing alumni information and career insights for graduate students. Many of you have already received an invitation to set up your account, but if the invitation expired or you did not receive one, you may request access by emailing aiesupport@vt.edu.
4. Inclusion and Diversity Requirement Reminder
All graduate students who began their programs in Spring 2022 or after need to complete the Inclusion and Diversity Requirement before they graduate. There are multiple ways they may do so; please visit this website to learn more: https://graduateschool.vt.edu/academics/programs/inclusion-diversity-req.html.
5. Recommendations and Resources for Faculty/GTAs in Establishing Class “Norm of Inclusion”
Virginia Tech’s Office of Inclusion and Diversity (OID) has developed a resource document with recommendations for instructional faculty and GTAs to assist them in establishing a ‘norm of inclusion’ in their classes beginning with the course syllabus and the first-class meeting. These include: Guidelines for a community of learners; Community guidelines that make a difference; and Communicating welcome, safety, and inclusion. Faculty and graduate teaching assistants (GTAs) may also enroll in one of OID’s inclusive pedagogy courses offered through the Professional Development Network. Inclusive pedagogy is a learner-centered instructional approach built on the principles of respect, inclusion, and cultural engagement. For more information on these norm of inclusion resources and recommendations, email InclusiveVT or visit the InclusiveVT website: https://www.inclusive.vt.edu/
6. Nominate a Graduate Student for the K. Patricia Cross Future Leaders Award
Nominations are now open for the K. Patricia Cross Future Leaders Award. This award recognizes graduate students planning a career in higher education who demonstrate exemplary promise as future leaders and are committed to academic innovation in equity, community engagement, and teaching and learning. All nomination materials must be submitted electronically no later than 11:59 pm ET on October 1, 2024, via this form: https://aacu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_09t62IeQ2wM35c2
7. Fee Waivers for HBCU Graduates
The Virginia Tech GraduateSchool is now able to offer fee waivers for applicants who have/will earn a degree from an HBCU. For information on Virginia Tech’s fee waiver process, please visit: https://graduateschool.vt.edu/admissions/tuition-and-costs/Application_Fees.html Please pass this information along to your faculty members, students, networks, colleagues, and partners.
8. Professional Development Opportunities from the CIRTL Network
The Center for the Integration of Research, Teaching, and Learning (CIRTL) Network offers a variety of professional development opportunities, including online workshops and courses (non-credit bearing), available to graduate students and postdoctoral associates at Virginia Tech. Among these opportunities is the CIRTL Associate Teaching Program, designed to teach effective teaching practices to graduate students and postdoctoral associates. Participants receive a CIRTL at Virginia Tech Associate digital badge along with foundational knowledge about teaching and complete a teaching philosophy activity. The full CIRTL Network fall programming schedule, including descriptions and registration information, can be found at https://cirtl.net/events/ — please share this information with your students.