Category: Uncategorized

IN THIS BULLETIN:
Meetings/Workshops/Events:
1. SPRING KICK-OFF WELCOME CONNECT LUNCH

Administrative Announcements:
2. NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR GRADUATE STUDENT AWARDS
3. OUTSTANDING MENTOR AWARD NOMINATIONS
4. REMINDER FOR ADMISSION APPLICATION DECISIONS
5. COVES FELLOWSHIP ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

Deadlines/Dates to Remember:
Jan 20 – Martin Luther King Day; no classes, university closed
Jan 21 – First day of classes; last day to withdraw without charges
Jan 27 – Last day to add classes for Spring 2020

Meetings/Workshops/Events:
1. SPRING KICK-OFF WELCOME CONNECT LUNCH
Monday, Feb 3, 12:00-1:00pm, Graduate Life Center, Multipurpose Room
Come out and meet representatives from university offices, learn about student resources, and network with other new and returning students, faculty, and staff with lunch provided. Please register at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_dd4K3AXN74JFGZL by January 31. For accommodations related to disabilities, contact Justin Grimes at jgrimes18@vt.edu at least 72 hours in advance of the event.

Administrative Announcements:
2. NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR GRADUATE STUDENT AWARDS – DEADLINES APPROACHING!!
This year, as we celebrate our 20th Annual Graduate Education Week at Virginia Tech, we will be highlighting previous winners as well as bringing some winners back for various events and programs. We will update you as these programs are finalized.

You are encouraged to nominate students in your department for the following awards:
– Outstanding Dissertation Award
– William Preston Society Master’s Thesis Award
– Graduate Student Teaching Excellence 
– Graduate Student Service Excellence
– Graduate Student of the Year 
– Outstanding Interdisciplinary Program Doctoral Student.
To learn about nomination criteria and procedures, visit https://graduateschool.vt.edu/about/awards/student.html. Nominations are due by January 31, 2020.

In addition to these awards, EACH COLLEGE SELECTS ITS OUTSTANDING MASTER’S AND DOCTORAL STUDENT based on selection criteria developed by the colleges. Notification about each college’s winners are due by February 14, 2020. See details at https://graduateschool.vt.edu/about/awards/student/outstanding-graduate-student.html.
All award winners will be recognized at our annual Graduate Education Week awards banquet on March 26, 2020.

3. OUTSTANDING MENTOR AWARD NOMINATIONS
The Graduate School recognizes one faculty member from each college with the Outstanding Mentor award for their role in supporting, encouraging, and promoting a positive and inclusive scholarly and teaching environment, and for contributing to the professional and personal development of graduate students. Winners must be full-time faculty members who have successfully mentored graduate students at the master’s or doctoral level. Each college sets its timeline for departments to submit nominations to the college for review and winner selection. Notification about each college’s winners are due by February 14, 2020. For more details visit: https://graduateschool.vt.edu/about/awards/outstanding-mentor-award.html. All winners will be recognized at our annual Graduate Education Week awards banquet on March 26, 2020.

4. REMINDER FOR ADMISSION APPLICATION DECISIONS
The Office of Export and Secure Research Compliance (OESRC) and the Graduate School developed procedures to identify graduate students with a high risk of export control, sanctions, or security concerns and provide guidance to the departments for compliance with these regulations. An automated screening method identifies international graduate students who intersect with three high risk areas: sanctioned country citizenship, prior or current foreign military affiliation, and affiliation with restricted parties or embargoed organizations. These applicants are reviewed by OESRC and guidance will be provided to the departments, if necessary. In most cases, OESRC will complete the review within 3 business days. In rare circumstances, additional time will be required to adjudicate cases, and departments will be notified within 3 business days if additional processing time is needed.
In order to ensure that the automated screening process occurs for all applicants recommended for admission, it is imperative that departments mark students recommended for admission in HokieSpa as Accept in GSAPP as well. To note the recommendation for admission in GSAPP, go to Actions –> Department Recommend –> Accept & Save.
 

 
This will set the application in GSAPP as Accept in your status list which initiates the OESRC review process. You must still submit the Online Admissions Analysis form in HokieSpa as the official decision. Admission recommendations in HokieSpa will not be processed by the Graduate School until the OESRC screening process in GSAPP has been completed. Questions regarding setting the application status to Accept in GSAPP may be addressed to Janice Austin at jema@vt.edu.

5. COVES FELLOWSHIP ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
The Commonwealth of Virginia Engineering and Science (COVES) Fellowship is a 12-week fellowship program of the Virginia Academy of Science, Engineering and Medicine (VASEM). Graduate student fellows will serve as science advisors in a variety of possible placements, including legislative offices, executive agencies, or prominent companies and nonprofits in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Fellows will gain experience by serving their host office and performing tasks such as researching, drafting, and revising policies in areas related to their expertise. Fellows will also be paired with a VASEM member who will serve as an experienced science policy mentor throughout the fellowship. For more information and the application, please go to the following link: https://graduateschool.vt.edu/funding/types-of-funding/funding-opportunities.html

IN THIS BULLETIN:
Meetings/Workshops/Events:
1. SPRING GRAD 5004 AND GTA WORKSHOP

Administrative Announcements:
2. LITTLE HOKIE HANGOUT NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR SPRING 2020
3. TUITION REMISSION REMINDER
4. IN 2020, SUMMER HAS A NEW LOOK!
5. NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR GRADUATE STUDENT AWARDS
6. OUTSTANDING MENTOR AWARD NOMINATIONS

Deadlines/Dates to Remember:
Dec 19 – Last day to take final exam for Fall 2019

Meetings/Workshops/Events:
1. SPRING GRAD 5004 AND GTA WORKSHOP
Thursday, Jan 16, 8:30am-3:30pm, GLC Auditorium
The spring edition of GRAD 5004, training required for all Virginia Tech GTAs, will kick off with the GTA Workshop on January 16. Graduate Coordinators, don’t forget to register your students who need it for spring GRAD 5004. Please remind your students that they cannot register themselves. Lunch, coffee and light refreshments will be provided during breaks in the program. Registrations will be accepted until Jan 10, 2020.

Administrative Announcements:
2. LITTLE HOKIE HANGOUT NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR SPRING 2020
Spaces will be offered based on the order of applications received. Please email childcare@vt.edu with questions. Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSefwMI4r-PDGIie2rJoaYF7ABBnGov7PwtbYnhqtyUfuR1Zog/viewform?usp=sf_link

3. TUITION REMISSION REMINDER
The Office of the University Bursar will be loading tuition awards for the spring semester upon request from departments. Send an email to bursar@vt.edu with “Tuition Remission Load” in the subject line, in the body of the email include your department name and awarding org numbers you wish to post. The Bursar’s office will continue to accept requests for tuition award loads until January 10.

4. IN 2020, SUMMER HAS A NEW LOOK!
Summer Sessions at Virginia Tech has slimmed down to ONE term. The university will now offer ONE term during the summer, which will include three options or “parts of term”:  two, 6 week (these mirror the traditional Summer I and Summer II schedule) and one 12 week option.
Now that summer is packaged “All in One” there is more flexibility and options from which to choose. Being “All in One” provides these benefits:
* More flexibility in course offerings and scheduling
* More student enrollment options (6 or 12 week parts)
* More payment options with the Budget Tuition Plan now available to summer students
* No more summer course request!
* Drop/Add registration will open in early 2020—specific date will be announced soon

Watch for more detailed information to come. If you have questions please contact Summer & Winter Sessions at summer@vt.edu. For matters related to course scheduling, contact Megan Coulter at csep1@vt.edu.

5. NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR GRADUATE STUDENT AWARDS
The Graduate School invites nominations for graduate student awards. Faculty and/or academic departments and programs may submit nominations for the following awards:
– Outstanding Dissertation Award
– William Preston Society Master’s Thesis Award
– Graduate Student Teaching Excellence
– Graduate Student Service Excellence
– Graduate Student of the Year
– Outstanding Interdisciplinary Program Doctoral Student.
To learn about nomination criteria and procedures, which have changed this year, visit https://graduateschool.vt.edu/about/awards/student.html. Nominations are due by January 31, 2020.
In addition to these awards, EACH COLLEGE SELECTS ITS OUTSTANDING MASTER’S AND DOCTORAL STUDENT based on selection criteria developed by the colleges. Notification about each college’s winners are due by February 14, 2020. See details at https://graduateschool.vt.edu/about/awards/student/outstanding-graduate-student.html.
All award winners will be recognized at our annual Graduate Education Week awards banquet on March 26, 2020.

6. OUTSTANDING MENTOR AWARD NOMINATIONS
The Graduate School recognizes one faculty member from each college with the Outstanding Mentor award for their role in supporting, encouraging, and promoting a positive and inclusive scholarly and teaching environment, and for contributing to the professional and personal development of graduate students. Winners must be full-time faculty members who have successfully mentored graduate students at the master’s or doctoral level. Each college sets its timeline for departments to submit nominations to the college for review and winner selection. Notification about each college’s winners are due by February 14, 2020. For more details visit: https://graduateschool.vt.edu/about/awards/outstanding-mentor-award.html. All winners will be recognized at our annual Graduate Education Week awards banquet on March 26, 2020.

IN THIS BULLETIN:
Meetings/Workshops/Events:
1. SLATE IMPLEMENTATION – TRAINING SESSION on General Overview and Queries
2. HOW TO USE iTHENTICATE – TRAINING SESSION

Administrative Announcements:
3.RESEARCH AND TEACHING POSTORDOCTORAL OPPORTUNITY AT VCU
4. ICTAS DOCTORAL SCHOLARS PROGRAM FOR 2020-21 ANNOUNCED
5. IN 2020, SUMMER HAS A NEW LOOK!
6. NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR GRADUATE STUDENT AWARDS
7. OUTSTANDING MENTOR AWARD NOMINATIONS
8. EDWARD BOUCHET HONOR SOCIETY NOMINATION PERIOD OPEN
9. DIVERSITY SCHOLAR PROGRAM–CALL FOR NOMINATIONS

Deadlines/Dates to Remember:
NOV 30: Web Drop/Add open for Spring 2020
DEC 1: Last day to notify the Graduate School of intent to participate in commencement

Meetings/Workshops/Events:
1. SLATE IMPLEMENTATION – TRAINING SESSION on General Overview and Queries
Wednesday, November 20, 10:00am
The Graduate School has implemented Slate for recruitment communications. Each training is on the Slate product overall as well as the Queries function within Slate. All sessions are via Zoom (Meeting ID: 5402318316). Registration is not required.

2. HOW TO USE iTHENTICATE – TRAINING SESSION
Multiple dates and times; registration requested. All sessions via Zoom (Meeting ID: 5402318316)
The Graduate School is offering a training session on how graduate students will use iThenticate to review the originality of documents, ensure accurate attribution to other authors, and eliminate occurrences of potential plagiarism. Registration at https://profdev.tlos.vt.edu/ by searching for “iThenticate” in the search box.
Tuesday, November 19 at 11:00am
Tuesday, December 3 at 7:00pm
Thursday, December 5 at 2:00pm

Administrative Announcements:
3. RESEARCH AND TEACHING POSTORDOCTORAL OPPORTUNITY AT VCU
VCU IRACDA provides trainees with a traditional mentored research experience, plus mentored teaching experience. VCU is a major research university with more than $310M funding per year, and a vast number and variety of potential research mentors. Another mission of the program is to increase diversity in the biomedical workforce, working with teaching mentors at Virginia Union University and Virginia State University. Trainees completing VCU IRACDA have succeeded in entering faculty positions at various institution types. Please feel free to forward this email to PhD students interested in an academic career. You may contact Joyce Lloyd, joyce.lloyd@vcuhealth.org , with questions. They are currently accepting applications for postdoctoral fellows who will begin work at VCU in 2020. For more information and the online application, visit the VCU Center on Health Disparities website at: https://healthdisparities.vcu.edu/researchtraining/postdoctoral-programs/iracda/

4. ICTAS DOCTORAL SCHOLARS PROGRAM FOR 2020-21 ANNOUNCED
These 4-year fellowships are for recruiting new PhD students from outside of VT, who will be starting their graduate program in Fall 2020.   The announcement and nomination form can be accessed at this link.  Please disseminate this announcement and nomination link to your faculty. Note that there are now multiple rolling deadlines for nominations, with the first deadline on Nov 25, 2019, and additional deadlines on Jan 2, Jan 27, as well as Mar 1 for CALS only.  The rolling deadlines allows for making some offers earlier to be more competitive with other schools, although many offers will continue to be made to students through mid-spring. If you have any questions, please contact the ICTAS director of this program, Dr. Mary Kasarda (maryk@vt.edu).

5. IN 2020, SUMMER HAS A NEW LOOK!
Summer Sessions at Virginia Tech has slimmed down to ONE term. The university will now offer ONE term during the summer, which will include three options or “parts of term”:  two, 6 week (these mirror the traditional Summer I and Summer II schedule) and one 12 week option.
Now that summer is packaged “All in One” there is more flexibility and options from which to choose. Being “All in One” provides these benefits:
* More flexibility in course offerings and scheduling
* More student enrollment options (6 or 12 week parts)
* More payment options with the Budget Tuition Plan now available to summer students
* No more summer course request!
* Drop/Add registration will open in early 2020—specific date will be announced soon

Watch for more detailed information to come. If you have questions please contact Summer & Winter Sessions at summer@vt.edu. For matters related to course scheduling, contact Megan Coulter at csep1@vt.edu.

6. NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR GRADUATE STUDENT AWARDS
The Graduate School invites nominations for graduate student awards. Faculty and/or academic departments and programs may submit nominations for the following awards:
– Outstanding Dissertation Award
– William Preston Society Master’s Thesis Award
– Graduate Student Teaching Excellence
– Graduate Student Service Excellence
– Graduate Student of the Year
– Outstanding Interdisciplinary Program Doctoral Student.
To learn about nomination criteria and procedures, which have changed this year, visit https://graduateschool.vt.edu/about/awards/student.html. Nominations are due by January 31, 2020.
In addition to these awards, EACH COLLEGE SELECTS ITS OUTSTANDING MASTER’S AND DOCTORAL STUDENT based on selection criteria developed by the colleges. Notification about each college’s winners are due by February 14, 2020. See details at https://graduateschool.vt.edu/about/awards/student/outstanding-graduate-student.html.
All award winners will be recognized at our annual Graduate Education Week awards banquet on March 26, 2020.

7. OUTSTANDING MENTOR AWARD NOMINATIONS
The Graduate School recognizes one faculty member from each college with the Outstanding Mentor award for their role in supporting, encouraging, and promoting a positive and inclusive scholarly and teaching environment, and for contributing to the professional and personal development of graduate students. Winners must be full-time faculty members who have successfully mentored graduate students at the master’s or doctoral level. Each college sets its timeline for departments to submit nominations to the college for review and winner selection. Notification about each college’s winners are due by February 14, 2020. For more details visit: https://graduateschool.vt.edu/about/awards/outstanding-mentor-award.html. All winners will be recognized at our annual Graduate Education Week awards banquet on March 26, 2020.

8. EDWARD BOUCHET HONOR SOCIETY NOMINATION PERIOD OPEN
The Edward Alexander Bouchet Graduate Honor Society (Bouchet Society) recognizes outstanding scholarly achievement and promote diversity and excellence in doctoral education and the professoriate. Find out more at https://graduateschool.vt.edu/about/diversity/bouchet-society.html. Nomination deadline is November 22.

9. DIVERSITY SCHOLAR PROGRAM–CALL FOR NOMINATIONS
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 Friday, November 29. Scholars will receive $300 each for their participation. Interested? Find out more at https://graduateschool.vt.edu/about/diversity/diversity-scholars/how-to-apply.html

IN THIS BULLETIN:
Meetings/Workshops/Events:
1. VETERANS AND MILITARY CONNECTED LUNCH
2. SLATE IMPLEMENTATION – TRAINING SESSION on General Overview and Queries
3. HOW TO USE iTHENTICATE – TRAINING SESSION

Administrative Announcements:
4. NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR GRADUATE STUDENT AWARDS
5. OUTSTANDING MENTOR AWARD NOMINATIONS
6. EDWARD BOUCHET HONOR SOCIETY NOMINATION PERIOD OPEN
7. DIVERSITY SCHOLAR PROGRAM–CALL FOR NOMINATIONS

Deadlines/Dates to Remember:
NOV 15: PhD/EdD ETD submission deadline to participate in fall commencement
NOV 20: Web Drop/Add open for Spring 2020

Meetings/Workshops/Events:
1. VETERANS AND MILITARY CONNECTED LUNCH
Thursday, Nov 7, 12:00pm, Graduate Life Center Multipurpose Room
Graduate students, faculty, and staff are invited. The event is free and all are welcome to attend. Please register here http://bit.ly/2019VeteransLunch by November 5. Questions? Contact ordi@vt.edu.

2. SLATE IMPLEMENTATION – TRAINING SESSION on General Overview and Queries
The Graduate School has implemented Slate for recruitment communications. Each training is on the Slate product overall as well as the Queries function within Slate. All sessions are via Zoom (Meeting ID: 5402318316). Registration is not required.
Thursday, November 7 at 3:30pm
Wednesday, November 20 at 10:00am

3. HOW TO USE iTHENTICATE – TRAINING SESSION
Multiple dates and times; registration requested. All sessions via Zoom (Meeting ID: 5402318316)
The Graduate School is offering a training session on how graduate students will use iThenticate to review the originality of documents, ensure accurate attribution to other authors, and eliminate occurrences of potential plagiarism. Registration at https://profdev.tlos.vt.edu/ by searching for “iThenticate” in the search box.
Tuesday, November 19 at 11:00am
Tuesday, December 3 at 7:00pm
Thursday, December 5 at 2:00pm

Administrative Announcements:
4. NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR GRADUATE STUDENT AWARDS
The Graduate School invites nominations for graduate student awards. Faculty and/or academic departments and programs may submit nominations for the following awards:
– Outstanding Dissertation Award
– William Preston Society Master’s Thesis Award
– Graduate Student Teaching Excellence
– Graduate Student Service Excellence
– Graduate Student of the Year
– Outstanding Interdisciplinary Program Doctoral Student.
To learn about nomination criteria and procedures, which have changed this year, visit https://graduateschool.vt.edu/about/awards/student.html. Nominations are due by January 31, 2020.
In addition to these awards, EACH COLLEGE SELECTS ITS OUTSTANDING MASTER’S AND DOCTORAL STUDENT based on selection criteria developed by the colleges. Notification about each college’s winners are due by February 14, 2020. See details at https://graduateschool.vt.edu/about/awards/student/outstanding-graduate-student.html.
All award winners will be recognized at our annual Graduate Education Week awards banquet on March 26, 2020.

5. OUTSTANDING MENTOR AWARD NOMINATIONS
The Graduate School recognizes one faculty member from each college with the Outstanding Mentor award for their role in supporting, encouraging, and promoting a positive and inclusive scholarly and teaching environment, and for contributing to the professional and personal development of graduate students. Winners must be full-time faculty members who have successfully mentored graduate students at the master’s or doctoral level. Each college sets its timeline for departments to submit nominations to the college for review and winner selection. Notification about each college’s winners are due by February 14, 2020. For more details visit: https://graduateschool.vt.edu/about/awards/outstanding-mentor-award.html. All winners will be recognized at our annual Graduate Education Week awards banquet on March 26, 2020.

6. EDWARD BOUCHET HONOR SOCIETY NOMINATION PERIOD OPEN
The Edward Alexander Bouchet Graduate Honor Society (Bouchet Society) recognizes outstanding scholarly achievement and promote diversity and excellence in doctoral education and the professoriate. Find out more at https://graduateschool.vt.edu/about/diversity/bouchet-society.html. Nomination deadline is November 22.

7. DIVERSITY SCHOLAR PROGRAM–CALL FOR NOMINATIONS
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 Friday, November 29. Scholars will receive $300 each for their participation. Interested? Find out more at https://graduateschool.vt.edu/about/diversity/diversity-scholars/how-to-apply.html

IN THIS BULLETIN:
Meetings/Workshops/Events:
3. FALL GRADUATE DIRECTOR’S MEETING – ZOOM DETAILS BELOW
2. HOW TO USE iTHENTICATE – TRAINING SESSION

Administrative Announcements:
5. FACULTY PANELISTS NEEDED FOR GRADUATE HONOR SYSTEM

Deadlines/Dates to Remember:
NOV 1 – PhD/EdD last day to defend to participate in fall commencement

Meetings/Workshops/Events:
3. FALL GRADUATE DIRECTOR’S MEETING
Thursday, October 17, 10:00am, Graduate Life Center Room F
To join meeting via Zoom: https://virginiatech.zoom.us/j/573284902
Meeting ID: 573 284 902

Topics will include Expectations for Graduate Study; Report from the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine; General Audience Abstract; Use of iThenticate with ETDs;
Graduate Education Task Force.

2. HOW TO USE iTHENTICATE – TRAINING SESSION
Multiple dates and times; registration requested. All sessions via Zoom (Meeting ID: 5402318316)
The Graduate School is offering a training session on how graduate students will use iThenticate to review the originality of documents, ensure accurate attribution to other authors, and eliminate occurrences of potential plagiarism. Registration at https://profdev.tlos.vt.edu/ by searching for “iThenticate” in the search box.

Wednesday, October 16 at 7:00pm
Tuesday, November 19 at 11:00am
Tuesday, December 3 at 7:00pm
Thursday, December 5 at 2:00pm

Administrative Announcements:
5. FACULTY PANELISTS NEEDED FOR GRADUATE HONOR SYSTEM
The Graduate Honor System is seeking new faculty members to serve as panelists to review evidence and determine the outcome of GHS cases. Time commitment is about 3-4 hours a year based on the number of cases and availability to participate in scheduled hearings, in addition to a 30-45 minute training session. If you are interested in serving, contact GHS Chair Anurag Mantha (ghs@vt.edu), to set up a brief meeting to discuss the role. If multiple faculty volunteer from one department, a departmental training can be arranged as well.

IN THIS BULLETIN:
Meetings/Workshops/Events:
3. FALL GRADUATE DIRECTOR’S MEETING
2. HOW TO USE iTHENTICATE – TRAINING SESSION

Administrative Announcements:
5. FACULTY PANELISTS NEEDED FOR GRADUATE HONOR SYSTEM

Deadlines/Dates to Remember:
OCT 4 – Fall break; no classes
OCT 8 – Last day to drop classes
OCT 15 – Web course request opens for Spring 2020

Meetings/Workshops/Events:
3. FALL GRADUATE DIRECTOR’S MEETING
Thursday, October 17, 10:00am, Graduate Life Center Room F.
Topics will include Plans of Study and Timeliness, Graduate Catalog, Slate, and Graduate Program Faculty Approvals.

2. HOW TO USE iTHENTICATE – TRAINING SESSION
Multiple dates and times; registration requested. All sessions via Zoom (Meeting ID: 5402318316)
The Graduate School is offering a training session on how graduate students will use iThenticate to review the originality of documents, ensure accurate attribution to other authors, and eliminate occurrences of potential plagiarism. Registration at https://profdev.tlos.vt.edu/ by searching for “iThenticate” in the search box.

Wednesday, October 16 at 10:00am
Wednesday, October 16 at 7:00pm
Tuesday, November 19 at 11:00am
Tuesday, December 3 at 7:00pm
Thursday, December 5 at 2:00pm

Administrative Announcements:
5. FACULTY PANELISTS NEEDED FOR GRADUATE HONOR SYSTEM
The Graduate Honor System is seeking new faculty members to serve as panelists to review evidence and determine the outcome of GHS cases. Time commitment is about 3-4 hours a year based on the number of cases and availability to participate in scheduled hearings, in addition to a 30-45 minute training session. If you are interested in serving, contact GHS Chair Anurag Mantha (ghs@vt.edu), to set up a brief meeting to discuss the role. If multiple faculty volunteer from one department, a departmental training can be arranged as well.

IN THIS BULLETIN:
Meetings/Workshops/Events:
1. SLATE IMPLEMENTATION – TRAINING SESSION on General Overview and Queries
2. HOW TO USE iTHENTICATE – TRAINING SESSION
3. FALL GRADUATE DIRECTORS’ MEETING

Administrative Announcements:
4. GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIP POLICY UPDATE
5. GRADUATE SCHOOL PLANNERS ARE AVAILABLE
6. FACULTY PANELISTS NEEDED FOR GRADUATE HONOR SYSTEM
7. ADVISOR SERVICE REPORT AVAILABLE
8. GRADUATE SCHOOL REQUEST INFORMATION URL UPDATED

Deadlines/Dates to Remember:
OCT 4 – Fall break; no classes.
OCT 8 – Last day to drop classes
OCT 17 – Fall Graduate Directors’ Meeting

Meetings/Workshops/Events:
1. SLATE IMPLEMENTATION – TRAINING SESSION on General Overview and Queries
The Graduate School is implementing Slate for recruitment communications. Each training is on the Slate product overall as well as the Queries function within Slate. All sessions are via Zoom (Meeting ID: 5402318316). Registration is not required.
Thursday, September 19 at 3:00pm
Monday, September 23 at 3:00pm

2. HOW TO USE iTHENTICATE – TRAINING SESSION
Multiple dates and times; registration requested. All sessions via Zoom (Meeting ID: 5402318316)
The Graduate School is offering a training session on how graduate students will use iThenticate to review the originality of documents, ensure accurate attribution to other authors, and eliminate occurrences of potential plagiarism. Registration at https://profdev.tlos.vt.edu/ by searching for “iThenticate” in the search box.

Wednesday, October 16 at 10:00am
Wednesday, October 16 at 7:00pm
Tuesday, November 19 at 11:00am
Tuesday, December 3 at 7:00pm
Thursday, December 5 at 2:00pm

3. FALL GRADUATE DIRECTOR’S MEETING
Thursday, October 17, 10:00am, Graduate Life Center Room F.
Topics will include vPlans of Study and Timeliness, Graduate Catalog, Slate, and Graduate Program Faculty Approvals. A final agenda will be available with the next Graduate School Bulletin.
Administrative Announcements:
4. GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIP POLICY UPDATE
Graduate assistantship policies and procedures have been compiled in a single document and approved as university policy No. 6210 by the Board of Visitors at its August meeting. The policy includes two updates to previous practices:
1. Proration of tuition-obligation:
Hiring departments must provide in-state tuition and mandatory E&G fees remission in proportion to the assistantship FTE for fall and spring semesters. The remission of in-state tuition and E&G fees is  calculated in four-week increments, with each quarter of tuition earned by the completion of four full weeks of work and full remission earned only if the student completes the assistantship (16 full weeks or more within the standard assistantship start and end dates in a semester).
2. Personal/sick leave for GAs, GTAs and GRAs:
Graduate students should work with their supervisors to schedule their work hours. Absences (either sick or personal) should be accommodated when possible and the work schedule adjusted to enable the graduate student to complete their academic and assistantship work commitments. The new policy addresses university holidays, work-life grants, jury duty and military leave as well.
The Graduate School is responsible for administering the policy and procedures related to assistantships and tuition remission, in conjunction with the Bursar’s Office and the Controller’s Office. For more information about the policy and how it may impact your area, review the full policy at https://policies.vt.edu/6210.pdf or contact the Graduate School at 540-231-9564.

5. GRADUATE SCHOOL PLANNERS ARE AVAILABLE
Due to delays on the publishers’ end, graduate school planners were not delivered until after New Graduate Student Orientation. If you would like planners delivered to your office for dissemination to graduate students, please email Lauren Surface at lkeister@vt.edu with the number planners you would like and your mail code.

6. FACULTY PANELISTS NEEDED FOR GRADUATE HONOR SYSTEM
The Graduate Honor System is seeking new faculty members to serve as panelists to review evidence and determine the outcome of GHS cases. Time commitment is about 3-4 hours a year based on the number of cases and availability to participate in scheduled hearings, in addition to a 30-45 minute training session. If you are interested in serving, contact GHS Chair Anurag Mantha (ghs@vt.edu), to set up a brief meeting to discuss the role. If multiple faculty volunteer from one department, a departmental training can be arranged as well.

7. ADVISOR SERVICE REPORT AVAILABLE
The Graduate School has worked with the Banner Reporting Team to create an advisor service report that pulls a list of a faculty member’s advising service from SGAADVR in Banner. The report contains from and to term as well as the student name, degree, major, status, and graduation term. To request this report for your academic program, submit a TeamDynamix request online (http://www.es.vt.edu and click Submit a Service Request ==> Academic Services ==> Academic Analysis & Reporting ==> Request Support) indicating you want the Advisor_Service to be run and provide a list of faculty ID numbers.

8. GRADUATE SCHOOL REQUEST INFORMATION URL UPDATED
The Graduate School has transitioned to Slate for recruitment. There is a new URL for prospective students to request information. If you have linked to our previous request for information link on your department website or in your department communications, please update the URL to https://testapplyto.graduateschool.vt.edu/register/GradSchoolInterestForm. You can also use this URL at recruitment events to have prospective students sign up for more information.

IN THIS BULLETIN:
Meetings/Workshops/Events:
1. HOW TO USE iTHENTICATE – TRAINING SESSION

Administrative Announcements:
2. ADVISOR SERVICE REPORT AVAILABLE
3. GRADUATE SCHOOL REQUEST INFORMATION URL UPDATED
4. RAISING AWARENESS OF THE OMBUDSPERSON

Deadlines/Dates to Remember:
SEP 2 – Labor Day; no classes, university closed
SEP 9 – Last day to submit the start-of-semester defense exception form for fall

Meetings/Workshops/Events:
1. HOW TO USE iTHENTICATE – TRAINING SESSION
Multiple dates and times; registration requested. All sessions via Zoom (Meeting ID: 5402318316)
The Graduate School is offering a training session on how graduate students will use iThenticate to review the originality of documents, ensure accurate attribution to other authors, and eliminate occurrences of potential plagiarism. Registration at https://profdev.tlos.vt.edu/ by searching for “iThenticate” in the search box.
Monday, September 16 at 2:00pm
Wednesday, October 16 at 10:00am
Wednesday, October 16 at 7:00pm
Tuesday, November 19 at 11:00am
Tuesday, December 3 at 7:00pm
Thursday, December 5 at 2:00pm

Administrative Announcements:
2. ADVISOR SERVICE REPORT AVAILABLE
The Graduate School has worked with the Banner Reporting Team to create an advisor service report that pulls a list of a faculty member’s advising service from SGAADVR in Banner. The report contains from and to term as well as the student name, degree, major, status, and graduation term. To request this report for your academic program, submit a TeamDynamix request online (http://www.es.vt.edu and click Submit a Service Request à Academic Services à Academic Analysis & Reporting à Request Support) indicating you want the Advisor_Sevice to be run and provide a list of faculty ID numbers.

3. GRADUATE SCHOOL REQUEST INFORMATION URL UPDATED
The Graduate School has transitioned to Slate for recruitment. There is a new URL for prospective students to request information. If you have linked to our previous request for information link on your department website or in your department communications, please update the URL to https://testapplyto.graduateschool.vt.edu/register/GradSchoolInterestForm. You can also use this URL at recruitment events to have prospective students sign up for more information.

4. RAISING AWARENESS OF THE OMBUDSPERSON
Connecting face-to-face with students and the faculty they work with is one of the best ways for individuals to learn about the resource the Ombuds office can provide. One way to do this is to allow 10 minutes for a short presentation during your orientation programs for first year students. These conversations will cover an intro to the role, the types of support available, and certain initiatives that the office is working on. I also enjoy providing longer sessions built around specific skill-building topics (Working through conflict, expectations conversations, giving and receiving feedback, etc…) during first year seminar courses. Speaking during a faculty meeting would be another way to increase awareness of the role with those that work directly with students on a daily basis. If you would like to schedule a session or discuss other opportunities to connect with your students and faculty, please contact Bryan Hanson at bryanh76@vt.edu.

IN THIS BULLETIN:
Meetings/Workshops/Events:
1. SLATE IMPLEMENTATION – TRAINING SESSION on Queries
2. REGISTER TODAY: GRADUATE SCHOOL RECRUITMENT, PROGRAMMING, AND CLIMATE WORKSHOP
3. UNDERREPRESENTED AND MINORITIZED (URM) GRADUATE STUDENT LUNCHEON
4. HOW TO USE iTHENTICATE – TRAINING SESSION

Administrative Announcements:
5. GRADUATE SCHOOL REQUEST INFORMATION URL UPDATED
6. NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION
7. IMMIGRATION CHECK-IN ONLINE FOR NEW INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
8. RAISING AWARENESS OF THE OMBUDSPERSON
9. ASSISTANTSHIP BANNER ENTRY INFORMATION AND DEADLINES
10. NEW REQUIREMENT FOR STUDENTS PURSUING GRAD DEGREES AT VT

Deadlines/Dates to Remember:
AUG 26 – First Day of Classes
AUG 30 – Last day to add classes

Click here for more information on each posting

IN THIS BULLETIN:
Meetings/Workshops/Events:
1. REGISTER TODAY: GRADUATE SCHOOL RECRUITMENT, PROGRAMMING, AND CLIMATE WORKSHOP
2. UNDERREPRESENTED AND MINORITIZED (URM) GRADUATE STUDENT LUNCHEON

Administrative Announcements:
3. NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION
4. IMMIGRATION CHECK-IN ONLINE FOR NEW INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
5. RAISING AWARENESS OF THE OMBUDSPERSON
6. ASSISTANTSHIP BANNER ENTRY INFORMATION AND DEADLINES
7. REGISTRATION OPEN FOR FALL 2019 GTA WORKSHOP – RESTRICTIONS APPLY
8. NEW REQUIREMENT FOR STUDENTS PURSUING GRAD DEGREES AT VT

Deadlines/Dates to Remember:
AUG 5 Web Drop/Add for Fall 2019 opens
AUG 16 Last day to defend for Summer II

Meetings/Workshops/Events:
1. REGISTER TODAY: GRADUATE SCHOOL RECRUITMENT, PROGRAMMING, AND CLIMATE WORKSHOP
Thursday, August 22, 9:00am-12:00pm, Newman Library-Multipurpose Room 101
The Graduate School is hosting this interactive workshop to share information from our various offices with you as well as discuss how we can support you and your unit. Please RSVP by August 15 at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_008MW4XdcXeDqzr. If questions, please contact us at ORDI@vt.edu.

2. UNDERREPRESENTED AND MINORITIZED (URM) GRADUATE STUDENT LUNCHEON
Wednesday, Aug 28, at 12:00pm, Graduate Life Center Multipurpose Room
The Office of Recruitment, Diversity, and Inclusion invites you to attend our graduate student luncheon. This event hosts new and returning students, faculty, and staff members. Please register at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_39n9xQfTkTgQwm1 and feel free to share with others!  If you have any questions, please email us at ORDI@vt.edu.

Administrative Announcements:

3. NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION
The Graduate School offers an online guide for new students (see https://graduateschool.vt.edu/admissions/getting-started-as-a-student.html), as well as a variety of events and activities to help their transition to graduate school. The list of programs and events is available at: https://graduateschool.vt.edu/student-life/events.html. Welcome week from August 19-23 provides a daily information fair in the GLC lobby and ends with new student orientation on Friday, August 23, 9:00-11:30am. Please encourage your students to stop by and gather information about campus and area resources and participate in informational and social events. A mass email was sent to new students in Blacksburg on Aug 1 about the student guide and orientation.

4. IMMIGRATION CHECK-IN ONLINE FOR NEW INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
New international students must check in online with our International Graduate Student Services (IGSS) for immigration purposes after they arrive in the U.S. and secure permanent housing in Blacksburg. Their check-in will be reviewed and approved by an immigration advisor within 3-5 days; after that, students may apply for a social security number if they secured an on-campus job (assistantship or wage). Review the process at https://graduateschool.vt.edu/student-life/immigration-services/new-student-guide/mandatory-check-in.html.  Students may register for classes, get their Hokie Passport, and take care of other items on the new student checklist (https://graduateschool.vt.edu/admissions/getting-started-as-a-student/new-student-checklist.html) before they complete the online check-in.

5. RAISING AWARENESS OF THE OMBUDSPERSON
Connecting face-to-face with students and the faculty they work with is one of the best ways for individuals to learn about the resource the Ombuds office can provide. One way to do this is to allow 10 minutes for a short presentation during your orientation programs for first year students. These conversations will cover an intro to the role, the types of support available, and certain initiatives that the office is working on. I also enjoy providing longer sessions built around specific skill-building topics (Working through conflict, expectations conversations, giving and receiving feedback, etc…) during first year seminar courses. Speaking during a faculty meeting would be another way to increase awareness of the role with those that work directly with students on a daily basis. If you would like to schedule a session or discuss other opportunities to connect with your students and faculty, please contact Bryan Hanson at bryanh76@vt.edu.

6. ASSISTANTSHIP BANNER ENTRY INFORMATION AND DEADLINES
Please ensure that your department’s 2019-20 assistantship and fellowship PAFs are entered as soon as possible. The early entry of appointments and corresponding tuition awards will ensure that the student can:
* Have the out-of-state differential waiver applied to the bill prior to the August 12 payment due date;
* Open subsidy link for those who purchase the student medical insurance;
* Sign up for the Comprehensive Fee Payment Plan prior to the first deduction.

7. REGISTRATION OPEN FOR FALL 2019 GTA WORKSHOP – RESTRICTIONS APPLY
Registration site (https://secure.graduateschool.vt.edu/gtaworkshop/) for Fall 2019  GTA workshop (GRAD 5004) is now open. All new GTAs are required to take this course and should be registered by dept. graduate coordinators (they cannot register themselves). Coordinators please register your students using the above site by August 6, 2019.  Please be aware of a special situation – Squires is not available this fall for the Phase I fall workshop. Therefore, the Phase I workshop will be held in the GLC, with capacity limited slightly vs. past fall sessions. If you have a student for whom it would be nice to take GRAD 5004 this fall, but not essential, please consider registering that student for the spring 2020 GRAD 5004 course. GTA workshop sessions focus on themes important for new GTAs, including oral presentation skills, ethics, pedagogical techniques and skills, conflict resolution, threat assessment, handling student personal information, using campus research tools, and computer security. Phase I is held on a single day, Tuesday, August 20, 2019 between 8:30 am and 4:00 pm; ALL REGISTERED STUDENTS MUST ATTEND THIS FULL-DAY WORKSHOP IN ORDER TO PASS THE COURSE.

8. NEW REQUIREMENT FOR STUDENTS PURSUING GRAD DEGREES AT VT
The Commission on Graduate Studies and Policy recently approved a new requirement for students pursuing graduate degrees at Virginia Tech: an inclusion and diversity education component as part of their studies. This requirement aligns with the Graduate School’s goal of providing all students with an affirming, inclusive, and diverse education program that helps prepare them for the challenges they will meet in their post-graduation careers. Four topics must be included in the plans: the University’s Principles of Community; the impact of personal actions and words; avenues of redress and shared responsibility as active bystanders to recognize and disrupt bullying; and a process of individual introspection and reflection leading to awareness of one’s own words and language. Other topics also may be included. Each program, department, or college may develop its own plan for meeting the requirement, and all plans must be approved by the Graduate School after submission by the unit’s Graduate Program Director or its equivalent. For more information about the requirement, including whom to contact for assistance and questions, please visit the Graduate School’s Inclusion and Diversity Requirement webpage at: https://graduateschool.vt.edu/faculty-and-staff-resources/inclusion-diversity-requirement.html.