Category: Uncategorized

GRADUATE SCHOOL BULLETIN

A publication of the Graduate School for Graduate Program Directors and Coordinators   

Postings are distributed to the Graduate Program Directors and Coordinators listservs on the 1st and 16th of each month and are also available on our public blog: https://monthlymemo.graduateschool.vt.edu/   

March 16, 2026 

IN THIS BULLETIN:    

Meetings, Workshops, & Events 

1. Graduate Education Week: March 23-27, 2026 

2. NSPIRE Lecture Series 

3. GAI For Good: Creating Functional and Productive GAI Graduate Course Policies 

4. Fostering Well-being in Mentoring Environments 

Deadlines & Dates to Remember

5. 2026-27 Graduate School Fellowships 

Policy Updates 

None at this time.  

Administrative Announcements 

6. Get Involved with a New GLC Public Art Project 

7. 2026-27 Graduate Catalog Update Process 

8. Nominations invited for the 2026 CGS/ProQuest Distinguished Dissertation Awards 

Announcements for Distribution to Students

9. Interstride Launch: New Resource for Graduate Students 

10. Hokie Hiccups: Graduate School Edition 

Meetings, Workshops, & Events

1. Graduate Education Week: March 23-27, 2026

This year’s theme for Graduate Education Week is “Graduate Education for Good,” which highlights how meaningful change grows from dedication, partnership, and community. Events will be held on the Blacksburg, Roanoke and Washington D.C., Metro area campuses, as well as virtually. We encourage you to attend events throughout the week and please share them with your graduate students! More details can be found on the Graduate Education Week website 

2. NSPIRE Lecture Series

Tuesday, March 24 
Hosted by the Division of Scholarly Integrity and Research Compliance, the Notable Scholars Promoting Innovative Research and Ethics (NSPIRE) lecture series features VT researchers discussing ethics and integrity in scholarship. Please share this learning opportunity with faculty and graduate students: 

• 9:30-10:30 a.m. Todd Lowe, Ph.D. – Industry research: Considering ethics and student researchers 
• 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Sophie Bogers, BVSc, MVSc, PhD, DACVS-LA – Horses, hounds and humans: Improving ethics through naturally occurring veterinary disease 
• 1:00-2:00 p.m. Cynthia Devers, Ph.D. – Integrity in Management Research; Editor-in-Chief work and PhD student training 

Register for March 24th Sessions 

3. GAI For Good: Creating Functional and Productive GAI Graduate Course Policies

Thursday, March 26, 2:00-3:00 p.m., Zoom: https://virginiatech.zoom.us/j/82003486014

Please share with your faculty this program designed specifically for their participation: As generative AI (GAI) reshapes academic work, graduate faculty face challenging situations: students need clear boundaries, yet most syllabi are silent or vague about GAI. Graduate scenarios, such as thesis work, prelims, and collaborative research projects, require clear guidance. This hands-on workshop offers an iterative, scenario-based activity to help you draft and refine a GAI policy for your course, starting from scratch and progressing through increasingly complex real-world situations that reveal gaps you might not know about. Presenters will cover research-based findings on academic integrity, GAI, and course syllabi design; VT’s Graduate Honor System (GHS) processes; new GAI guidance from the university’s Responsible AI Framework; and how your course policies intersect with this broader landscape. Access the registration form here 

4. Fostering Well-being in Mentoring Environments

Thursday, April 16, 1:00-3:00 p.m., Zoom 

Allison Jones, Catherine Cotrupi, and Kamillah Kassam invite graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, staff, and faculty to participate in a mentoring workshop organized by the Equity in Graduate Education Consortium. This workshop is part of a national initiative to strengthen mentoring competencies across the academic community, with an emphasis on equity-focused and evidence-informed mentoring practices. Access the registration form here 

Deadlines & Dates to Remember

5. 2026-27 Graduate School Fellowships

Deadline: April 1, 2026 

Nominations for Graduate School fellowships are now being accepted for the 2026-27 academic year. For eligibility, nomination information, and deadlines, please visit each opportunity listed on the Funding Sponsored by the Graduate School page. 

Administrative Announcements

6. Get Involved with a New GLC Public Art Project

To commemorate the 20th anniversary of the opening of the Graduate Life Center in 2005-06 and to celebrate graduate education at Virginia Tech, the Graduate School is spearheading the creation of a public art installation in the vicinity of the Graduate Life Center. We invite the participation of current and former graduate students and supporters of graduate education in the planning, design, and implementation of this art installation. Faculty-led student teams are encouraged to respond to the RFP to be posted in April. With this installation we wish to recognize the contributions of graduate students to the missions of the university; celebrate the creativity, strength, and endurance of the graduate community; highlight the many and varied talents of graduate students/alumni and increase public art on the Blacksburg campus. For more information about the project and how to get involved, visit our website. 

7. 2026-27 Graduate Catalog Update Process

The update process for the 2026-27 edition of the Graduate Catalog is now underway. GPDs and faculty members responsible for certificate programs (or their designees) are asked to review their current catalog listings at https://catalog.vt.edu/graduate/ and complete this survey to either 1) confirm the accuracy of the current content or 2) provide details about necessary updates: https://gs.vt.edu/2026catalog.     

All programs are asked to enter new information about:  

• Name and email of the graduate coordinator for your program(s)  
• Link to the program’s student handbook or explanation of when/where/how students may find it 

Submissions are due by May 25; the 2026-27 catalog will be published on June 1. If you have any difficulty completing the survey or have any questions about the process, please contact Bill Huckle at wrhuckle@vt.edu or Monika Gibson at gibsonm@vt.edu. 

8. Nominations invited for the 2026 CGS/ProQuest Distinguished Dissertation Awards

The Graduate School invites nominations for the CGS/ProQuest Distinguished Dissertation Awards in the fields of (1) mathematics, physical sciences and engineering and (2) social sciences. Details are available on the CGS website. The effective date of the degree awarded, or the completion of doctoral degree requirements and dissertation, must be between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2026. Nominations must be received by the Graduate School by June 15, 2026. If you are interested in nominating a dissertation, please contact Monika Gibson at gibsonm@vt.edu. Because Virginia Tech is limited to one nomination per category, the Graduate School will select finalists and assist with compiling the nominations. 

Announcements for Distribution to Students

The notice(s) in this section have been shared with graduate students through the Graduate School channels, but we ask that you consider sharing it with individual students or student groups as you see fit.  

9. Interstride Launch: New Resource for Graduate Students

Friday, March 20, 3:00-4:30 p.m., Holtzman Alumni Auditorium, The Inn at Virginia Tech 

Please share with students this event for their participation: Join staff from the Cranwell International Center, the Graduate School, and the Office of Career and Professional Development for a live learning session about Interstride, a new platform for international job searches and career networking. Optimize your Interstride job search, build your career network, and enjoy light refreshments. Access the registration form here 

10. Hokie Hiccups: Graduate School Edition

Thursday, March 26, 9:30-10:30 a.m., GLC Room B 

The Graduate School, in collaboration with Hokie Wellness, invites all graduate students, faculty, staff, and administrators to attend the upcoming Hokie Hiccups event, whether to share your own experiences or to listen and learn from others. This event will highlight the challenges and setbacks that are a natural part of academic and professional growth, promoting openness and connection within the graduate community. 

Attendees will hear from six graduate students who will each share reflections on moments of failure or difficulty during graduate school or along their path to it. Additional students, faculty, and administrators are warmly encouraged to participate as speakers or attendees. 

Access the registration form here 

GRADUATE SCHOOL BULLETIN

A publication of the Graduate School for Graduate Program Directors and Coordinators   

Postings are distributed to the Graduate Program Directors and Coordinators listservs on the 1st and 16th of each month and are also available on our public blog: https://monthlymemo.graduateschool.vt.edu/   

March 2, 2026 

IN THIS BULLETIN:    

Meetings, Workshops, & Events 

1. Graduate Coordinators’ Spring Networking Meeting 

2. GAI For Good: Creating Functional and Productive GAI Graduate Course Policies 

Deadlines & Dates to Remember

3. 2026-27 Graduate School Fellowships 

Policy Updates 

None at this time.  

Administrative Announcements 

4. 2026-27 Graduate Catalog Update Process 

5. GEW 2026: Share “For Good” Work   

6. Volunteers and Judges Needed for the GPSS Research Symposium 

7. International Travel for Students 

Announcements for Distribution to Students

8. First-Year Doctoral Students Needed for Research Study 

Meetings, Workshops, & Events

1. Graduate Coordinators’ Spring Networking Meeting

Thursday, March 12, 9:00-10:00 a.m., Zoom: https://virginiatech.zoom.us/j/87028795305 

All graduate program coordinators are invited to join this information/networking session to connect with members of the Graduate School team and one another. Tentative agenda: 

• Graduate Coordinator Manual 
• Graduate Education Week updates 
• Graduate Catalog update process and timeline 
• Review of Application for Certificate and Application for Certificate Conferral forms 

If you have a particular topic you would like to request or recommend, please email gibsonm@vt.edu. 

2. GAI For Good: Creating Functional and Productive GAI Graduate Course Policies

Thursday, March 26, 2:00-3:00 p.m., Zoom: https://virginiatech.zoom.us/j/82003486014

Please share with your faculty this program designed specifically for their participation: As generative AI (GAI) reshapes academic work, graduate faculty face challenging situations: students need clear boundaries, yet most syllabi are silent or vague about GAI. Graduate scenarios, such as thesis work, prelims, and collaborative research projects, require clear guidance. This hands-on workshop offers an iterative, scenario-based activity to help you draft and refine a GAI policy for your course, starting from scratch and progressing through increasingly complex real-world situations that reveal gaps you might not know about. Presenters will cover research-based findings on academic integrity, GAI, and course syllabi design; VT’s Graduate Honor System (GHS) processes; new GAI guidance from the university’s Responsible AI framework; and how your course policies intersect with this broader landscape. Register Here 

Deadlines & Dates to Remember

3. 2026-27 Graduate School Fellowships

Deadline: April 1, 2026 

Nominations for Graduate School fellowships are now being accepted for the 2026-27 academic year. For eligibility, nomination information, and deadlines, please visit each opportunity listed on the Funding Sponsored by the Graduate School page. 

Administrative Announcements

4. 2026-27 Graduate Catalog Update Process

The update process for the 2026-27 edition of the Graduate Catalog is now under way. GPDs and faculty members responsible for certificate programs (or their designees) are asked to review their current catalog listings at https://catalog.vt.edu/graduate/ and complete this survey to either 1) confirm the accuracy of the current content or 2) provide details about necessary updates: https://gs.vt.edu/2026catalog.     

All programs are asked to enter new information about:  

• Name and email of the graduate coordinator for your program(s)  
• Link to the program’s student handbook or explanation of when/where/how students may find it 

Submissions are due by May 25; the 2026-27 catalog will be published on June 1. If you have any difficulty completing the survey or have any questions about the process, please contact Bill Huckle at wrhuckle@vt.edu or Monika Gibson at gibsonm@vt.edu. 

5. GEW 2026: Share “For Good” Work

We are seeking graduate students, faculty, and staff whose work embodies the Graduate Education Week 2026 theme of “For Good” to feature on our social media channels during GEW, March 23–27. This work may involve research, teaching, service, advocacy, mentorship, student organization involvement, or any other activity related to graduate education. You may nominate yourself or someone else to be highlighted: Nomination Form 

6. Volunteers and Judges Needed for the GPSS Research Symposium

The 42nd Annual Graduate and Professional Student Senate Research Symposium will be held on March 25, 2026, in the Graduate Life Center, and faculty are needed to serve as judges for this year’s event. The theme is “Better Together: Collaborating Beyond Boundaries.” Faculty members from across the university are encouraged to join this opportunity to support graduate student research, idea exploration, and professional development. Judge Registration Form 

Volunteers are also needed to assist with registration, timekeeping, setup or breakdown, and food distribution. Volunteers will receive a t-shirt and meal if they assist around mealtimes. Volunteer Sign-up Form 

Please contact Symposium co-chairs Tamar (tjballard@vt.edu) and Ethan (ethansd@vt.edu) with any questions. 

7. International Travel for Students

To ensure that students across all departments receive consistent guidance regarding international travel, please remind your faculty and staff to direct all student inquiries to the official FAQ. This will help avoid conflicting information and maintain a unified message.  

Any additional questions or situations not addressed in the FAQ should be referred directly to the Tax Compliance Office, tax@vt.edu.  

Announcements for Distribution to Students

The notice(s) in this section have been shared with graduate students through the Graduate School’s channels, but we ask that you consider sharing it with individual students or student groups as you see fit.  

8. First-Year Doctoral Students Needed for Research Study

All doctoral students who began their program in Fall 2025 are invited to participate in meaningful research focused on understanding the drivers of doctoral student persistence—what gets you through your studies?  

Participants are asked to complete a 6–10-minute survey. At the end of the survey, you will be asked if you are willing to participate in an optional follow-up 30–45-minute interview over Zoom.  

Eligible students should have received a link via e-mail, but the survey can also be accessed here: Research Study Survey 

GRADUATE SCHOOL BULLETIN

A publication of the Graduate School for Graduate Program Directors and Coordinators   

Postings are distributed to the Graduate Program Directors and Coordinators listservs on the 1st and 16th of each month and are also available on our public blog: https://monthlymemo.graduateschool.vt.edu/   

February 16, 2026 

IN THIS BULLETIN:    

Meetings, Workshops, & Events 

None at this time. 

Deadlines & Dates to Remember

1. 2026-27 Graduate School Fellowships 

Policy Updates 

None at this time.  

Administrative Announcements 

2. GEW 2026: Share “For Good” Work   

3. Volunteers and Judges Needed for the GPSS Research Symposium 

4. International Travel for Students 

Announcements for Distribution to Students

None at this time. 

Deadlines & Dates to Remember

1. 2026-27 Graduate School Fellowships

Deadline: April 1, 2026 

Nominations for Graduate School fellowships are now being accepted for the 2026-27 academic year. For eligibility, nomination information, and deadlines, please visit each opportunity listed on the Funding Sponsored by the Graduate School page. 

Administrative Announcements

2. GEW 2026: Share “For Good” Work

We are seeking graduate students, faculty, and staff whose work embodies the Graduate Education Week 2026 theme, “For Good,” to feature on our social media channels during GEW, March 23–27. This work may involve research, teaching, service, advocacy, mentorship, student organization involvement, or any other activity related to graduate education. You may nominate yourself or someone else to be highlighted: Nomination form 

3. Volunteers and Judges Needed for the GPSS Research Symposium

The 42nd Annual Graduate and Professional Student Senate Research Symposium will be held on March 25, 2026, in the Graduate Life Center, and faculty are needed to serve as judges for this year’s event. The theme is “Better Together: Collaborating Beyond Boundaries.” Faculty members from across the university are encouraged to join this opportunity to support graduate student research, idea exploration, and professional development. Judge Registration Form 

Volunteers are also needed to assist with registration, timekeeping, setup or breakdown, and food distribution. Volunteers will receive a t-shirt and meal if they assist around mealtimes. Volunteer Sign-up Form 

Please contact Symposium co-chairs Tamar (tjballard@vt.edu) and Ethan (ethansd@vt.edu) with any questions. 

4. International Travel for Students

To ensure that students across all departments receive consistent guidance regarding international travel, please remind your faculty and staff to direct all student inquiries to the official FAQ. This will help avoid conflicting information and maintain a unified message.  

Any additional questions or situations not addressed in the FAQ should be referred directly to the Tax Co

GRADUATE SCHOOL BULLETIN

A publication of the Graduate School for Graduate Program Directors and Coordinators   

Postings are distributed to the Graduate Program Directors and Coordinators listservs on the 1st and 16th of each month and are also available on our public blog: https://monthlymemo.graduateschool.vt.edu/   

February 2, 2026 

IN THIS BULLETIN:    

Meetings, Workshops, & Events 

1. NSPIRE Lecture Series 

2. GPD/GC Meeting 

3. Spring 2026 Graduate School + Cranwell International Center Webinar 

Deadlines & Dates to Remember

4. 2026-27 Graduate School Fellowships 

Policy Updates 

None at this time.  

Administrative Announcements 

5. International Travel for Students 

6. Request to Share Policies on Actions Precipitated by Unsatisfactory Student Progress 

Announcements for Distribution to Students

None at this time. 

Meetings, Workshops, & Events

1. NSPIRE Lecture Series

Wednesday, February 11 

Hosted by the Division of Scholarly Integrity and Research Compliance, the Notable Scholars Promoting Innovative Research and Ethics (NSPIRE) virtual lectures feature VT researchers discussing ethics and integrity in scholarship, topics that are key elements of the Graduate School’s Scholarly Ethics and Integrity requirement for all graduate students. Please share this learning opportunity with faculty and graduate students:  

• 10:00-11:00 a.m. Molly Klote, M.D. – Compliance Supporting Research Integrity 
• 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Tiffany Drape, Ph.D. – Using Case Studies for Better Collaboration 
• 1:00-2:00 p.m. Iris Jenkins, Ph.D. – Fostering Integrity in Research 

Register for sessions 

2. GPD/GC Meeting 

Wednesday, February 11, 2:00-3:00 p.m. 

This is a reminder of the upcoming monthly Graduate Program Director and Graduate Coordinator meeting. If you are not currently included in the calendar invitation, please contact jhazelwood4@vt.edu.    

3. Spring 2026 Graduate School + Cranwell International Center Webinar   

Monday, February 16, 1:00-3:00 p.m. 

This spring’s topic will be International Student Employment – Best Practices & Communication.  We will cover topics such as timelines, policies, expectations, and student impact. Register to attend 

Deadlines & Dates to Remember

4. 2026-27 Graduate School Fellowships 

Deadline: April 1, 2026 

Nominations for Graduate School fellowships are now being accepted for the 2026-27 academic year. For eligibility, nomination information, and deadlines, please visit each opportunity listed on the Funding Sponsored by the Graduate School page. 

Administrative Announcements

5. International Travel for Students 

To ensure that students across all departments receive consistent guidance regarding international travel, please remind your faculty and staff to direct all student inquiries to the official FAQ. This will help avoid conflicting information and maintain a unified message.  

Any additional questions or situations not addressed in the FAQ should be referred directly to the Tax Compliance Office, tax@vt.edu.  

6. Request to Share Policies on Actions Precipitated by Unsatisfactory Student Progress 

There was a very good discussion at a recent GPD/GPC meeting on the topic of graduate student progress reviews, with important emphasis on the need for more formal and timely response to situations of unsatisfactory performance. The Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering (CEE) hopes to formalize a more structured process for managing and documenting unsatisfactory progress situations. Bill Knocke, GPD in CEE, requests the opportunity to review any written policies and procedures that departments have formally adopted to address unsatisfactory graduate student performance. Forward such information to knocke@vt.edu; if you copy gsdean@vt.edu as well, the materials will be added to the Graduate School’s repository of best practices to be shared with all GPDs.  

GRADUATE SCHOOL BULLETIN 

A publication of the Graduate School for Graduate Program Directors and Coordinators   

Postings are distributed to the Graduate Program Directors and Coordinators listservs on the 1st and 16th of each month and are also available on our public blog: https://monthlymemo.graduateschool.vt.edu/   

January 16, 2026 

IN THIS BULLETIN:    

Meetings, Workshops, & Events  

1. Spring 2026 Graduate School + Cranwell International Center Semesterly Webinar 

Deadlines & Dates to Remember 

2. Graduate School Awards 

3. 2026-27 Graduate School Fellowships 

Policy Updates  

None at this time.  

Administrative Announcements  

4. GPD/GPC Meeting Notes and Call for Future Agenda Items   

5. Request to Share Policies on Actions Precipitated by Unsatisfactory Student Progress 

6. Volunteer Opportunity: Practice Defense Sessions 

7. National Name Exchange (NNE) Data Uploaded to Slate for Recruitment Purposes 

Announcements for Distribution to Students

8. GPSS Research Symposium Abstract Submissions   

Meetings, Workshops, & Events

1. Spring 2026 Graduate School + Cranwell International Center Semesterly Webinar  

Monday, February 16, 1:00-3:00p.m. 

Please hold this time for a joint webinar between Cranwell International Center and the Graduate School. This spring’s topic will be International Student Employment – Best Practices & Communication.  We will cover topics such as timelines, policies, expectations, and student impact. Please register here: Spring 2026 Graduate School + Cranwell International Center Semesterly Webinar – Fill out form 

Deadlines & Dates to Remember

2. Graduate School Awards

The Graduate School is accepting nominations for several annual awards recognizing excellence in graduate education, mentorship, and scholarship. 

• Graduate Student Awards — Deadline: January 23, 2026 Submission Details
• Outstanding Advising/Mentoring Award (A/P Faculty and Staff) — Deadline: January 23, 2026 Submission Details
• Outstanding College Mentor, Doctoral, and Master’s Student Awards — Selection by  college; notification to Graduate School deadline: February 13, 2026 Mentor Info | Student Info

Questions may be directed to Lauren Surface at lkeister@vt.edu. 

3. 2026-27 Graduate School Fellowships

Deadline: April 1, 2026 

Nominations for Graduate School fellowships are now being accepted for the 2026-27 academic year. For eligibility, nomination information, and deadlines, please visit each opportunity listed on the Funding Sponsored by the Graduate School page. 

Administrative Announcements

4. GPD/GPC Meeting Notes and Call for Future Agenda Items

Notes from the recent Graduate Program Directors/Coordinators meeting are available in the ​GPD Teams channel​. If you wish to submit agenda items for future meetings, need access to the GPT Teams site, or be added to the GPD meeting invitation, send an email to gsdean@vt.edu. 

5. Request to Share Policies on Actions Precipitated by Unsatisfactory Student Progress

There was a very good discussion at a recent GPD/GPC meeting on the topic of graduate student progress reviews, with important emphasis on the need for more formal and timely input in situations where unsatisfactory performance is occurring. The department of Civil & Environmental Engineering (CEE) hopes to formalize a more structured process for their managing and documenting unsatisfactory progress situations. Bill Knocke, GPD in CEE, requests the opportunity to review any written policies and procedures that departments have formally adopted to address unsatisfactory graduate student performance situations. Forward such information to knocke@vt.edu; if you copy gsdean@vt.edu as well, the materials will be added to the Graduate School’s repository of best practices to be shared with all GPDs.  

6. Volunteer Opportunity: Practice Defense Sessions

This fall, the Student Services & Strategic Partnerships team piloted a program offering practice defense sessions for students nearing their final defenses. Each student presented for 20–30 minutes and received 20–30 minutes of feedback from two administrators or faculty members and another defending student.  

If you are interested in serving as a mock reviewer and can attend one or two of the two-hour blocks below, please contact Catherine Cotrupi at cotrupi@vt.edu. 

• Wednesday, January 28, 2026, 9:00-11:00a.m. 
• Monday, February 2, 2026, 2:00-4:00p.m. 
• Tuesday, February 10, 2026, 10:00a.m.-12:00p.m. 
• Tuesday, February 17, 2026, 1:00-3:00p.m. 
• Friday, April 3, 2026, 1:00-3:00p.m. 
• Monday, April 6, 2026 1:00-3:00p.m. 
• Friday, April 17, 2026, 11:00a.m.-1:00p.m. 
• Wednesday, April 22, 2026, 3:00-5:00p.m. 
• Monday, April 27, 2026, 2:00-4:00p.m. 

7. National Name Exchange (NNE) Data Uploaded to Slate for Recruitment Purposes

Managed by the Council of Graduate Schools (CGS), the National Name Exchange (NNE) aims to expand access to graduate education to create a robust and nimble workforce. The initiative focuses on removing barriers to graduate education and broadening participation in graduate study. More information is available on the CGS website. The 2025 NNE data has been uploaded to Slate, and you can identify these students by a tag which can be queried either as a filter along with their major and/or as an export. 

A template query is available and can be used to copy and adjust to individual program(s). Questions can be sent to Catherine Cotrupi at cotrupi@vt.edu.

Announcements for Distribution to Students 

The notice(s) in this section have been shared with graduate students through the Graduate School’s channels, but we ask that you consider sharing it with individual students or student groups as you see fit.  

8. GPSS Research Symposium Abstract Submissions

The annual GPSS research symposium is an excellent professional development opportunity for graduate students. Please encourage your students to submit an abstract and/or volunteer for the symposium. 

Deadline for abstracts: February 6, 2026, 11:59p.m. 

Date of symposium: March 25, 2026, Graduate Life Center 

The 42nd Annual GPSS Research Symposium will be held on March 25, 2026, and we invite students from all disciplines to submit presentations/posters for the symposium! This year’s theme is “Better Together: Collaborating Beyond Boundaries.” You can find more details about submission types and requirements by accessing the Research Symposium Abstract Submission Form.  

To volunteer to be an abstract reviewer, please complete the Volunteer Form. No experience is required. 

Email co-chairs Tamar Ballard (tjballard@vt.edu) and Ethan Dolin (ethansd@vt.edu) with any questions. 

GRADUATE SCHOOL BULLETIN

A publication of the Graduate School for Graduate Program Directors and Coordinators   

Postings are distributed to the Graduate Program Directors and Coordinators listservs on the 1st and 16th of each month and are also available on our public blog: https://monthlymemo.graduateschool.vt.edu/   

December 16, 2025 

IN THIS BULLETIN:    

Meetings, Workshops, & Events 

1. Cranwell + Graduate School Spring Webinar 

Deadlines & Dates to Remember

2. Bouchet Graduate Honor Society Applications Now Open 

3. Graduate Student Awards 

4. Outstanding Advising/Mentoring Award (A/P Faculty/Staff) 

5. Outstanding College Mentor, Doctoral and Master’s Student Awards 

Policy Updates 

None at this time.  

Administrative Announcements 

6. Preston Recruitment Fellowship   

7. 2026-27 Graduate School Fellowships 

8. Volunteer Opportunity: Practice Defense Sessions 

9. National Name Exchange (NNE) Data Uploaded to Slate for Recruitment Purposes 

Announcements for Distribution to Students

10. Funding Your Research as a Newly Independent Researcher: How to Get Started 

11. Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs) Pathways to Graduate Study 

12. GPSS Research Symposium Abstract Submissions   

13. GRAD 5984: SS: Effective, Ethical, & Equitable Mentoring 

Meetings, Workshops, & Events

1. Cranwell + Graduate School Spring Webinar

Monday, February 16, 1:00-3:00p.m. 

Please hold 1pm-3pm on Monday, February 16th for a joint webinar between Cranwell International Center and the Graduate School. This spring’s topic will be announced in the new year. 

Deadlines & Dates to Remember

2. Bouchet Graduate Honor Society Applications Now Open

Deadline: January 16, 2026 

Submission Information 

Please encourage your students to apply to be inducted into the Bouchet Graduate Honors Society.  

The Bouchet Graduate Honors Society seeks to develop a network of preeminent scholars who exemplify academic and personal excellence, foster environments of support, and serve as examples of scholarship, leadership, character, service, and advocacy for students in the academy. In the spirit of Bouchet’s commitment to these pursuits both within and outside the academic realm, inductees into the honor society bearing his name should exhibit these qualities.  

3. Graduate Student Awards

Deadline: January 23, 2026 

Submission Information

The Graduate School recognizes the contributions of the university’s most outstanding graduate students each year. Winners are recognized at an awards banquet during Graduate Education Week, celebrated annually in the last full week of March. Awards include outstanding dissertation and thesis, service excellence, teaching excellence, graduate student of the year, and outstanding interdisciplinary PhD student. If you have questions, please contact Lauren Surface at lkeister@vt.edu. 

4. Outstanding Advising/Mentoring Award (A/P Faculty/Staff)

Deadline: January 23, 2026 

Submission Information

The Graduate School is seeking nominations for the Outstanding Advising/Mentoring Award for A/P Faculty and Staff. Nominators are encouraged to think about the many diverse ways in which staff and A/P faculty contribute to the development and support of graduate students. If you have questions, please contact Lauren Surface, lkeister@vt.edu. 

5. Outstanding College Mentor, Doctoral and Master’s Student Awards

Deadline: February 13, 2026 

Recipients of each college’s outstanding faculty mentor, doctoral student, and master’s student are due to the Graduate School by February 13, 2026. Each college creates their own criteria for each award, though there are suggested criteria on the information pages below: 

Outstanding Mentor Award information

Outstanding Doctoral and Master’s Student information

Questions can be sent to Lauren Surface at lkeister@vt.edu. 

Administrative Announcements

6. Preston Recruitment Fellowship

Nomination deadline: January 10, 2026 

Preston Recruitment Fellowships (2 @ $5,000 each): These awards are meant to provide fellowship support to help attract the best possible graduate students, regardless of their area of study at Virginia Tech. Candidates for the prestigious Preston Fellowship should be students who are being recruited by the nation’s elite educational institutions for the purpose of conducting significant research and scholarship.  

Please submit a nomination of no more than 500 words outlining reasons why you think the candidate is an exceptional recruit for your program, such as UG institution, UG GPA, UG research experience, and potential offers from other universities (if known).  

Nominations should be submitted through the Fellowship Nomination form. 

7. 2026-27 Graduate School Fellowships

Nominations for Graduate School Fellowships are now being accepted for the 2026-27 academic year. For eligibility, nomination information, and deadlines, please visit each opportunity listed on the Funding Sponsored by the Graduate School page.  

8. Volunteer Opportunity: Practice Defense Sessions

This fall, the Student Services & Strategic Partnerships team piloted a program offering practice defense sessions for students nearing their final defenses. Each student presented for 20–30 minutes and received 20–30 minutes of feedback from two administrators or faculty members and another defending student. If you are interested in serving as a mock reviewer and can attend one or two of the two-hour blocks below, please contact Catherine Cotrupi at cotrupi@vt.edu. 

• Wednesday, January 28, 2026, 9:00—11:00a.m. 
• Monday, February 2, 2026, 2:00—4:00p.m. 
• Tuesday, February 10, 2026, 10:00a.m.—12:00p.m. 
• Tuesday, February 17, 2026, 1:00—3:00p.m. 
• Friday, April 3, 2026, 1:00—3:00p.m. 
• Monday, April 6, 2026 1:00—3:00p.m. 
• Friday, April 17, 2026, 11:00a.m.—1:00p.m. 
• Wednesday, April 22, 2026, 3:00—5:00p.m. 
• Monday, April 27, 2026, 2:00—4:00p.m. 

9. National Name Exchange (NNE) Data Uploaded to Slate for Recruitment Purposes

Managed by the Council of Graduate Schools (CGS), the National Name Exchange (NNE) aims to expand access to graduate education to create a robust and nimble workforce. The focus is on removing barriers to access for all students in accessing higher education and broadening graduate school attainment with a multi-pronged approach that can be read about on the CGS website. The 2025 NNE data has been uploaded to Slate, and you can identify these students by a tag which can be queried either as a filter along with their major and/or as an export. 

A template query is available and can be used to copy and adjust to individual program(s). Questions can be sent to Catherine Cotrupi at cotrupi@vt.edu.

Announcements for Distribution to Students

The notice(s) in this section have been shared with graduate students through the Graduate School’s channels, but we ask that you consider sharing it with individual students or student groups as you see fit.  

10. Funding Your Research as a Newly Independent Researcher: How to Get Started

January 14, 1:00-5:00p.m., GLC MPR or Zoom 

Please encourage your students to attend, especially those nearing graduation.  This workshop is designed to help graduate students translate research ideas into formal written proposals to external sponsors. It will include a portfolio of activities tailored to the participants, regardless of their departmental affiliation or field. In-person and virtual attendance are welcome. Registration form

11. Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs) Pathways to Graduate Study

January 30, 11:00a.m.-12:30p.m., GLC Room B 

Do you know any undergraduate students who are curious about research or considering graduate school? Please encourage them to join us for a dynamic webinar on Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs). Participants will learn where to find REU opportunities and how to highlight them in graduate school applications. Registration form. Cosponsored by the Graduate School and the Office of Undergraduate Research. This event will be held in person on the Blacksburg Campus. 

12. GPSS Research Symposium Abstract Submissions

Deadline for abstracts: February 6, 2026, 11:59p.m. 

Date of symposium: March 25, 2026, Graduate Life Center 

The 42nd Annual GPSS Research Symposium will be held on March 25, 2026, and we invite students from all disciplines to submit presentations/posters for the symposium! This year’s theme is “Better Together: Collaborating Beyond Boundaries.” You can find more details about submission types and requirements by accessing the Research Symposium Abstract Submission Form.  

Not Interested in presenting but interested in volunteering? We are also calling for abstract reviewers! No experience is required. Please use the Abstract Review Volunteer Form.

Email co-chairs Tamar Ballard (tjballard@vt.edu) and Ethan Dolin (ethansd@vt.edu) with any questions. 

13. GRAD 5984: SS: Effective, Ethical, & Equitable Mentoring

The purpose of this course is to develop graduate students’ understandings of and experiences with mentoring. The ability to support and enhance another’s academic, professional, and personal development rests on a foundation of exploring and reflecting one’s own experiences with these topics.  

Graduate students in this course will reflect on their own previous experiences with mentoring; their role as current mentees in their research and graduate careers, their role as future faculty and industry leaders who will have mentees of their own, and as mentors to current undergraduate students. They will also be guided in developing peer-mentoring networks to support their wellbeing and success in graduate school.   

Students will be provided with theories of mentorship as well as opportunities to reflect and put their awareness into practice informing their future praxis. Please reach out to cotrupi@vt.edu for more information. 

GRADUATE SCHOOL BULLETIN

A publication of the Graduate School for Graduate Program Directors and Coordinators   

Postings are distributed to the Graduate Program Directors and Coordinators listservs on the 1st and 16th of each month and are also available on our public blog: https://monthlymemo.graduateschool.vt.edu/   

December 1, 2025 

IN THIS BULLETIN:    

Meetings, Workshops, & Events 

1. GPD/GC Meeting 

Deadlines & Dates to Remember

2. Lowry Fellowship (Deadline: December 5) 

3. Bouchet Graduate Honor Society Applications Now Open 

4. Graduate Student Awards 

5. Outstanding Advising/Mentoring Award (A/P Faculty/Staff) 

6. Outstanding College Mentor, Doctoral and Master’s Student Awards 

Policy Updates 

None at this time.  

Administrative Announcements 

7. Volunteer Opportunity: Practice Defense Sessions 

8. National Name Exchange (NNE) Data Uploaded to Slate for Recruitment Purposes 

Announcements for Distribution to Students

9. Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs) Pathways to Graduate Study 

10. Research Proposal Development Workshop for Grads 

11. GRAD 5984: SS: Effective, Ethical, & Equitable Mentoring 

Meetings, Workshops, & Events

1. GPD/GC Meeting

December 10, 2:00-3:00 p.m., Zoom 

This is a reminder of the upcoming monthly Graduate Program Director and Graduate Coordinator meeting. If you are not currently included in the calendar invitation, please contact jhazelwood4@vt.edu.  

Deadlines & Dates to Remember

2. Lowry Fellowship

Deadline: December 5, 2025 

The Dr. W.D. Lowry Graduate Fellowship offers one-semester support for a full-time Virginia Tech graduate student who demonstrates financial need and exceptional promise. Funding includes a graduate stipend and in-state tuition remission for one semester (Spring 2026). Nominations must be submitted by December 5 using the following form:  Dr. W.D. Lowry Graduate Fellowship Nomination Form 

3. Bouchet Graduate Honor Society Applications Now Open

Deadline: January 16, 2026 

Submission Information 

Please encourage your students to apply to be inducted into the Bouchet Graduate Honors Society.  

The Bouchet Graduate Honors Society seeks to develop a network of preeminent scholars who exemplify academic and personal excellence, foster environments of support, and serve as examples of scholarship, leadership, character, service, and advocacy for students in the academy. In the spirit of Bouchet’s commitment to these pursuits both within and outside the academic realm, inductees into the honor society bearing his name should exhibit these qualities. The deadline for applications is 11:59pm on January 16, 2026. 

4. Graduate Student Awards

Deadline: January 23, 2026 

Submission Information

The Graduate School recognizes the contributions of the university’s most outstanding graduate students each year. Winners are recognized at an awards banquet during Graduate Education Week, celebrated annually in the last full week of March. Awards include outstanding dissertation and thesis, service excellence, teaching excellence, graduate student of the year, and outstanding interdisciplinary PhD student. If you have questions, please contact Lauren Surface at lkeister@vt.edu. 

5. Outstanding Advising/Mentoring Award (A/P Faculty/Staff)

Deadline: January 23, 2026 

Submission Information

The Graduate School is seeking nominations for the Outstanding Advising/Mentoring Award for A/P Faculty and Staff. Nominators are encouraged to think about the many diverse ways in which staff and A/P faculty contribute to the development and support of graduate students. If you have questions, please contact Lauren Surface, lkeister@vt.edu. 

6. Outstanding College Mentor, Doctoral and Master’s Student Awards

Deadline: February 13, 2026 

Recipients of each college’s outstanding faculty mentor, doctoral student, and master’s student are due to the Graduate School by February 13, 2026. Each college creates their own criteria for each award, though there are suggested criteria on the information pages below: 

Outstanding Mentor Award information

Outstanding Doctoral and Master’s Student information

If you have questions, please reach out to Lauren Surface, lkeister@vt.edu. 

Administrative Announcements

7. Volunteer Opportunity: Practice Defense Sessions

This fall, the Student Services & Strategic Partnerships team piloted a program offering practice defense sessions for students nearing their final defenses. Each student presented for 20–30 minutes and received 20–30 minutes of feedback from two administrators or faculty members and another defending student. We will offer additional Zoom sessions this spring to support the higher number of end-of-year defenses and to align with SSDE needs and deadlines. If you are interested in serving as a mock reviewer and can attend one or two of the two-hour blocks below, please contact Catherine Cotrupi at cotrupi@vt.edu. 

• Wednesday, January 28, 2026, 9:00—11:00am 
• Monday, February 2, 2026, 2:00—4:00pm 
• Tuesday, February 10, 2026, 10:00am—12:00pm 
• Tuesday, February 17, 2026, 1:00—3:00pm 
• Friday, April 3, 2026, 1:00—3:00pm 
• Monday, April 6, 2026, 1:00—3:00pm 
• Friday, April 17, 2026, 11:00am—1:00pm 
• Wednesday, April 22, 2026, 3:00—5:00pm 
• Monday, April 27, 2026, 2:00—4:00pm 

8. National Name Exchange (NNE) Data Uploaded to Slate for Recruitment Purposes

Managed by the Council of Graduate Schools (CGS), the National Name Exchange (NNE) aims to expand access to graduate education to create a robust and nimble workforce. The focus is on removing barriers to access for all students in accessing higher education and broadening graduate school attainment with a multi-pronged approach that can be read about on the CGS website. The 2025 NNE data has been uploaded to Slate, and you can identify these students by a tag which can be queried either as a filter along with their major and/or as an export. 

A template query is available and can be used to copy and adjust to individual program(s): click here. Questions can be sent to Catherine Cotrupi at cotrupi@vt.edu.

Announcements for Distribution to Students

The notice(s) in this section have been shared with graduate students through the Graduate School’s channels, but we ask that you consider sharing it with individual students or student groups as you see fit.  

9. Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs) Pathways to Graduate Study

December 10, 12:00-1:30pm, GLC Room B 

January 30, 11:00am-12:30pm, GLC Room B 

Do you know any undergraduate students who are curious about research or considering graduate school? Please encourage them to join us for a dynamic webinar on Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs). Participants will learn where to find REU opportunities and how to highlight them in graduate school applications. Register using the following form: click here. Cosponsored by the Graduate School and the Office of Undergraduate Research. This event will be held in person on the Blacksburg Campus. 

10. Research Proposal Development Workshop for Grads

January 14, 1:00-5:00pm, GLC MPR or Zoom 

Please encourage your students to attend, especially those nearing graduation.  This workshop is designed to help graduate students translate research ideas into formal written proposals to external sponsors. It will include a portfolio of activities tailored to the participants, regardless of their departmental affiliation or field. In-person and virtual attendance are welcome. Registration required: click here

11. GRAD 5984: SS: Effective, Ethical, & Equitable Mentoring

The purpose of this course is to develop graduate students’ understandings of and experiences with mentoring. The ability to support and enhance another’s academic, professional, and personal development rests on a foundation of exploring and reflecting one’s own experiences with these topics.  

Graduate students in this course will reflect on their own previous experiences with mentoring; their role as current mentees in their research and graduate careers, their role as future faculty and industry leaders who will have mentees of their own, and as mentors to current undergraduate students. They will also be guided in developing peer-mentoring networks to support their wellbeing and success in graduate school.   

Students will be provided with theories of mentorship as well as opportunities to reflect and put their awareness into practice informing their future praxis. Please reach out to cotrupi@vt.edu for more information. 

GRADUATE SCHOOL BULLETIN

A publication of the Graduate School for Graduate Program Directors and Coordinators   

Postings are distributed to the Graduate Program Directors and Coordinators listservs on the 1st and 16th of each month and are also available on our public blog: https://monthlymemo.graduateschool.vt.edu/   

November 17, 2025 

IN THIS BULLETIN:    

Meetings, Workshops, & Events 

1. GPD/GC Meeting 

Deadlines & Dates to Remember

None at this time. 

Policy Updates 

None at this time.  

Administrative Announcements 

2. Bouchet Graduate Honor Society Applications Now Open 

3. Graduate Student Awards 

4. Outstanding Advising/Mentoring Award (A/P Faculty/Staff) 

5. Outstanding College Mentor, Doctoral and Master’s Student Awards 

6. National Name Exchange (NNE) Data Uploaded to Slate for Recruitment Purposes 

7. Graduate Student Climate Survey Data Available 

Announcements for Distribution to Students

8. Graduate School Thanksgiving Break Lunch 

9. GRAD 5984: SS: Effective, Ethical, & Equitable Mentoring 

Meetings, Workshops, & Events

1. GPD/GC Meeting

December 10, 2:00-3:00 p.m., Zoom 

This is a reminder of the upcoming monthly Graduate Program Director and Graduate Coordinator meeting. If you are not currently included in the calendar invitation, please contact jhazelwood4@vt.edu.  

Administrative Announcements

2. Bouchet Graduate Honor Society Applications Now Open

Deadline: January 16, 2026 

Submission Information 

Please encourage your students to apply to be inducted into the Bouchet Graduate Honors Society.  

The Bouchet Graduate Honors Society seeks to develop a network of preeminent scholars who exemplify academic and personal excellence, foster environments of support, and serve as examples of scholarship, leadership, character, service, and advocacy for students in the academy. In the spirit of Bouchet’s commitment to these pursuits both within and outside the academic realm, inductees into the honor society bearing his name should exhibit these qualities. The deadline for applications is 11:59pm on January 16, 2025.  

3. Graduate Student Awards

Deadline: January 23, 2026 

Submission Information

The Graduate School recognizes the contributions of the university’s most outstanding graduate students each year. Winners are recognized at an awards banquet during Graduate Education Week, celebrated annually in the last full week of March. Awards include outstanding dissertation and thesis, service excellence, teaching excellence, graduate student of the year, and outstanding interdisciplinary PhD student. If you have questions, please contact Lauren Surface at lkeister@vt.edu. 

4. Outstanding Advising/Mentoring Award (A/P Faculty/Staff)

Deadline: January 23, 2026 

Submission Information

The Graduate School is seeking nominations for the Outstanding Advising/Mentoring Award for A/P Faculty and Staff. Nominators are encouraged to think about the many diverse ways in which staff and A/P faculty contribute to the development and support of graduate students. If you have questions, please contact Lauren Surface, lkeister@vt.edu. 

5. Outstanding College Mentor, Doctoral and Master’s Student Awards

Deadline: February 13, 2026 

Recipients of each college’s outstanding faculty mentor, doctoral student and master’s student are due to the Graduate School by February 13, 2026. Each college creates their own criteria for each award, though there are suggested criteria on the information pages below: 

Outstanding Mentor Award information

Outstanding Doctoral and Master’s Student information

If you have questions, please reach out to Lauren Surface, lkeister@vt.edu. 

6. National Name Exchange (NNE) Data Uploaded to Slate for Recruitment Purposes

Managed by the Council of Graduate Schools (CGS), the National Name Exchange (NNE) aims to expand access to graduate education to create a robust and nimble workforce. The focus is on removing barriers to access for all students in accessing higher education and broadening graduate school attainment with a multi-pronged approach that can be read about on the CGS website. The 2025 NNE data has been uploaded to Slate, and you can identify these students by a tag which can be queried either as a filter along with their major and/or as an export. 

A template query is available and can be used to copy and adjust to individual program(s): click here. Questions can be sent to Catherine Cotrupi at cotrupi@vt.edu.

7. Graduate Student Climate Survey Data Available

Data are now available from the Spring 2025 Graduate Student Climate Survey. The following visualization can be used to compare climate survey results to prior years and is filterable down to the academic program level: click here

Summary results and reports will be available at a later date. If you have questions or desire additional analysis, contact Kacy Lawrence at klawr5@vt.edu.

Announcements for Distribution to Students

The notice(s) in this section have been shared with graduate students through the Graduate School’s channels, but we ask that you consider sharing it with individual students or student groups as you see fit.  

8. Graduate School Thanksgiving Break Lunch

Tuesday, November 25, 11:30am-1pm, GLC Multipurpose Room 

You are not alone! Join others who don’t get to leave for Thanksgiving Break for some chili (chicken, vegetarian/vegan/GF versions), dessert, and conversation in the graduate community! Registration is required and will close when the event has reached capacity, so sign up today: registration form

Questions can be sent to Lindsay Barron at lbarron@vt.edu.

9. GRAD 5984: SS: Effective, Ethical, & Equitable Mentoring

The purpose of this course is to develop graduate students’ understandings of and experiences with mentoring. The ability to support and enhance another’s academic, professional, and personal development rests on a foundation of exploring and reflecting one’s own experiences with these topics.  

Graduate students in this course will reflect on their own previous experiences with mentoring; their role as current mentees in their research and graduate careers, their role as future faculty and industry leaders who will have mentees of their own, and as mentors to current undergraduate students. They will also be guided in developing peer-mentoring networks to support their wellbeing and success in graduate school.   

Students will be provided with mentorship theories and opportunities to reflect and put their awareness into practice informing their future praxis. Please reach out to cotrupi@vt.edu for more information. 

GRADUATE SCHOOL BULLETIN  

A publication of the Graduate School for Graduate Program Directors and Coordinators  

Postings are distributed to the Graduate Program Directors and Coordinators listservs on the 1st and 16th of each month and are also available on our public blog.

November 3, 2025

IN THIS BULLETIN:    

Meetings, Workshops, & Events  

1. Sponsored Webinar: The Changing Landscape of Graduate Recruitment and Marketing

2. GPD/GC Meeting

3. Little Hokie Hand-Me-Down: Donations Needed  

Deadlines & Dates to Remember        

4. Bouchet Graduate Honor Society Applications Now Open

Policy Updates  

None at this time.  

Administrative Announcements  

5. Graduate Student Climate Survey Data Available

6. Upcoming TOEFL Scoring Scale Change

Announcements for Distribution to Students

None at this time.

Meetings, Workshops, & Events

1. Sponsored Webinar: The Changing Landscape of Graduate Recruitment and Marketing

November 4, 2:00–2:45p.m., Zoom

Competition for qualified graduate students is intensifying, and institutions face a complex mix of challenges: fragmented digital marketing channels, the growing influence of AI in student search, shifting international student demand, and questions about the value proposition and ROI of graduate education. Universities are responding by rethinking how they attract and enroll students, adopting new approaches to audience segmentation, marketing channel strategy, and deploying technology. In this moderated session, academic and enrollment leaders will share how they are adapting to these changes and the strategies and tactics that are working best.  Register here

2. GPD/GC Meeting

November 5, 2:00–3:00 p.m., Zoom

This is a reminder of the upcoming monthly Graduate Program Director and Graduate Coordinator meeting. If you are not currently included in the calendar invitation, please contact jhazelwood4@vt.edu.  

3. Little Hokie Hand-Me-Down: Donations Needed

The Little Hokie Hand-Me-Down program is an event designed for the benefit of Virginia Tech graduate students and staff families. Donations of unused or gently used children’s items for ages 0 to 10 are greatly needed for this event. Donations can be dropped off at the Women’s Center or the Graduate Life Center through November 10 at noon. Learn more about what items can be donated and when graduate students and staff can pick up free items: click here.

Meetings, Workshops, & Events

4. Bouchet Graduate Honor Society Applications Now Open

The Bouchet Society seeks to develop a network of preeminent scholars who exemplify academic and personal excellence, foster environments of support, and serve as examples of scholarship, leadership, character, service, and advocacy for students in the academy. In the spirit of Bouchet’s commitment to these pursuits both within and outside the academic realm, inductees into the honor society bearing his name should exhibit these qualities. The deadline for applications is 11:59pm on January 16, 2025. Click to learn more

Administrative Announcements

5. Graduate Student Climate Survey Data Available

Data are now available from the Spring 2025 Graduate Student Climate Survey. The following visualization can be used to compare climate survey results to prior years and is filterable down to the academic program level: click here

Summary results and reports will be available at a later date. If you have questions or desire additional analysis, contact Kacy Lawrence at klawr5@vt.edu

6. Upcoming TOEFL Scoring Scale Change

ETS is launching a TOEFL iBT scoring scale change effective January 21, 2026. Overall scores and section scores will be reported on a 1-6 banded scale. Based on the ETS TOEFL concordance table, the Virginia Tech Graduate School will require an overall score and section scores of 4.5 or higher for admission. Students who anticipate appointments as Graduate Teaching Assistants are expected to have scored a 5 or higher on the TOEFL Speaking section. GTA appointment of a student scoring 4.5 on the Speaking section should be justified explicitly within the academic unit; appointment of a student scoring below 4.5 on the Speaking section requires justification with the Graduate School. 

GRADUATE SCHOOL BULLETIN 

A publication of the Graduate School for Graduate Program Directors and Coordinators   

Postings are distributed to the Graduate Program Directors and Coordinators listservs on the 1st and the 16th of the month and are also available on our public blog: https://monthlymemo.graduateschool.vt.edu/   

October 16, 2025 

IN THIS BULLETIN:    

Meetings, Workshops, & Events  

1. Graduate Mentoring to Enhance Research and Academic Success 

2. Faculty Panelists Needed for Graduate Honor System   

3. Mentorship Workshop 

4. GPD/GC Meeting 

Deadlines & Dates to Remember 

None at this time. 

Policy Updates  

None at this time.  

Administrative Announcements  

5. Graduate Alumni Achievement Award: Call for Nominations 

6. CSGS Awards: Call for Nominations 

7. Upcoming TOEFL Scoring Scale Change 

Announcements for Distribution to Students

None at this time. 

Meetings, Workshops, & Events

1. Graduate Mentoring to Enhance Research and Academic Success

Friday, October 17, 1:30-3:30 p.m., Zoom and in-person 

Monday, October 20, 3:00-5:00 p.m., Zoom and in-person 

Join Bevlee Watford, Catherine Cotrupi, and Allison Jones for a workshop created by the Equity in Graduate Education Consortium. This event is part of a national effort to enhance mentoring skills for current and future faculty members and to lead to more productive research and academic success. Register here: https://gs.vt.edu/gec 

There will be an additional hybrid session for graduate students on Friday, November 14, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. Register here: https://gs.vt.edu/gecgrad 

2. Faculty Panelists Needed for Graduate Honor System

Tuesday, October 21, 4:00-5:00 p.m., Zoom: 89531184685 

Friday, October 24, 9:00-10:00 a.m., Zoom: 83151775405 

The Graduate Honor System relies on trained faculty and graduate student panelists who review academic integrity violations and determine the outcome of GHS cases. Training takes approximately one hour and after that you may serve on panels as you are available. On average, active faculty panelists devote 5-10 hours of service per year to the GHS. Two training sessions are coming up; if interested, please complete this registration form to indicate your planned attendance: https://gs.vt.edu/panel 

3. Mentorship Workshop

Monday, November 3, 10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Blacksburg Campus (in-person) 

Multipurpose Room, Graduate Life Center 

Mentorship is a critical element in our careers, yet few of us have had any formal mentorship training. These workshops are intended to provide introductory training in mentorship, primarily through active learning, for early career faculty members, other faculty members, and postdoctoral fellows who have an interest in improving their mentorship skills. 

The event will include panel discussions with outstanding VT mentors, a separate discussion with experienced graduate student mentees and mentors, a session of the highly participatory Mentorship Road Show, and comments on mentorship from Dean Aimée Surprenant. We will conclude with lunch (provided by the Graduate School) and a networking opportunity. Register here: https://gs.vt.edu/mentorship 

4. GPC/GC Meeting

November 5, 2:00-3:00 p.m., Zoom 

This is a reminder of the upcoming monthly Graduate Program Director and Graduate Coordinator meeting. If you are not currently included in the calendar invitation, please contact jhazelwood4@vt.edu.  

Administrative Announcements

5. Graduate Alumni Achievement Award: Call for Nominations

The Graduate School is accepting nominations for the Graduate Alumni Achievement Award. This award recognizes outstanding national and/or international achievement and exemplary contributions by the winner to their profession, discipline, community, or society. Nominees must be engaged in efforts that enhance the reputation of Virginia Tech to a national and/or international audience. Only alumni who have obtained a graduate degree from Virginia Tech are eligible. The submission deadline is Friday, October 31, at 5:00 p.m. For more information on nomination requirements and to submit a nomination, click here. 

6. CSGS Awards: Call for Nominations

The Graduate School invites nominations for the Conference of Southern Graduate Schools (CSGS) Awards. Please send submissions to gsdean@vt.edu by October 24, 2025, so that the Graduate School may finalize and submit nominations by the November 3, 2025, deadline.  

Outstanding Master’s Thesis Awards Categories

• Social Sciences, Business and Education 
• Life Sciences 
• Non-traditional Thesis/Project Award 

Faculty Awards 

• Outstanding Mentor Award 
• Outstanding Contributions Award 

Consider nominating those recognized during Graduate Education Week 2025 or through the Faculty Mentor of the Month program. For full eligibility, nomination details, and prizes, click here.  

7. Upcoming TOEFL Scoring Scale Change

ETS is launching a TOEFL iBT scoring scale change effective January 21, 2026. Overall scores and section scores will be reported on a 1-6 banded scale. Based on the ETS TOEFL concordance table, the Virginia Tech Graduate School will require an overall score and section scores of 4.5 or higher for admission. Students who anticipate appointments as Graduate Teaching Assistants are expected to have scored a 5 or greater on the TOEFL Speaking section. GTA appointment of a student scoring 4.5 on the Speaking section should be justified explicitly within the particular academic unit; appointment of a student scoring below 4.5 on the Speaking section requires justification with the Graduate School.