QR Codes Around the Graduate School & GLC

During GEW 2010, the Graduate School began placing QR Codes around the GLC and office spaces.  We now have a tool that will allow you to generate a good number of types of QR Codes.  The types of data we currently offer to be encoded into a QR code are: URL, Email address, Geo Location, MeCard(/vCard), Text, SMS, Wireless Network.  The goal of this little application is to become a one stop shop for creating a QR code.  We are looking to add other items to the application as time goes on.  If you have suggestions for QR content around the GLC or for functionality of this app, please let us know.

I’d like to give kudos and thanks to Erdem Memisyaizci for getting this application together.

One-time Bonus for Returning Graduate Assistants

Graduate students on assistantship are eligible for the bonus if:

  • they were employed (GA, GRA, GTA, faculty, or staff) during the 2009-10 fiscal year, and
  • are contracted as a graduate assistant (GA, GRA, GTA) on December 1st, 2010.

The bonus will be 3% of the graduate student’s projected annual pay as of December 1st, 2010, based on an academic year or calendar year basis.  The graduate student’s 2009-10 employment history will determine an academic or calendar year appointment basis.  The bonus will be included in the December 1st, 2010 paycheck.  Applicable taxes and deductions will apply.
     
The fund source of the bonus will correspond to the fund source of the current year stipend. The  E&G support for the bonus will be provided to departments through a one-time budget allocation.  The Office of Budget and Financial Planning will be working with auxiliary enterprises to address the cost within existing resources.  Externally sponsored grants & contracts should also expect the cost; it is hoped that the planned stipend escalation factor will accommodate the one-time cost.

For questions please contact Tim Hodge in the Office of Budget and Financial Planning.

Application for Degree Deadline (AFD)

Students who anticipate completing their degree in the Fall semester must go to HokieSPA to submit their AFD.  Please follow the links under Degree Menu –> Graduate Student Degree Menu –> Application for Degree.  You must complete the AFD by October 1st in order for your name to appear in the Fall 2010 Commencement Bulletin. 

Student’s who have their personal information listed as confidential will not have their names appear in the bulletin.

Research and Travel Funds for Graduate Students

Travel Funds – Cycle I.
The Travel Fund Program (TFP) help assists graduate students with some of the financial burdens associated with traveling to conferences to present their research. Students who are traveling to conference(s) present between July 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010 are eligible to apply to the TFP to be reimbursed up to $350 as a master’s or $500 as a doctoral student. The application period is from September 6 to October 15, 2010 (by 5pm). More information about the program is available on the GSA’s website. Questions should be addressed to Courtney Gleason.

Research Funds – Cycle I.
The Graduate Student Assembly’s Graduate Research Development Program (GRDP) provides a competitive funding opportunity to support qualified research and innovative ideas proposed by VT graduate students. Applications go through a rigorous review process by a panel of graduate students and faculty. Learn more about the program on the GSA’s website.   Questions about the program should be directed to the GRDP chair, Ranjana Mehta

P.E.O. Scholar Award Applicants Sought

The $15,000. P.E.O. Scholar Award provides opportunity for 85 women graduate students for 2011-12. The three Blacksburg Chapters coordinate efforts to identify potential applicants to nominate for the prestigious merit-based awards. P.E.O. is a philanthropic educational organization providing financial aid for the education of women.

Eligibility:    A woman is eligible for nomination by a local P.E.O. Chapter if she:

  1. is within two years of completing her doctoral level degree or postgraduate    study or research by  August 1, 2011 (granting date);
  2.  has at least one academic year remaining from the granting date to complete her doctoral program;
  3. demonstrates academic excellence with a strong research path, publications,       awards and service activities(particularly during the past 12 months), maturity and seriousness of purpose;
  4.  has clearly defined career objectives, showing promise of making a significant  contribution to her field;
  5. is a full-time student at an accredited college,  university or institution;
  6.  is a citizen of the United States or Canada at the time of nomination.            

Local application components:  Submit by September 11

  1. One to two page letter of application highlighting current work and career goals  (See Eligibility 3.).
  2.  Resume

Applications to: Elva Miller -205 Woods Edge Court, Blacksburg, VA 24060 or by email.    Questions: e-mail or call 540-951-8407.  If nominated by a local chapter, the applicant will receive an official  application  package(official transcripts, etc.) from the P.E.O. Scholar Awards office.
             

In-state Classification of Graduate Students

The Graduate School asks all graduate students to review their student status in HokieSPA and their e-bill from the Bursar’s Office (Student Accounts) to determine if they are properly classified as an in-state or out-of-state student.

Students who believe that they are eligible for in-state classification for tuition purposes but are not listed as in-state should review the Graduate School policies and procedures regarding in-state classification and the application process.  

New Policy on Additional Employment for Graduate Assistants

University Council approved a new policy governing the additional employment of graduate assistants:

Unless specified otherwise in the assistantship agreement contract, graduate students on full assistantships are not prohibited from seeking additional employment (restrictions may apply to international students). Students should consult with their academic advisor and/or assistantship supervisor as applicable regarding the fulfillment of their assistantship and graduate study responsibilities. Students must notify the Graduate School about any additional employment, including the period of employment, name and contact of employer, and job title or short description of duties.

The Graduate School is developing an new application for students to report additional employment. In the meantime, students on graduate assistantships must notify the Graduate School by email. The email should be addressed to Dr. Karen DePauw, kpdepauw@vt.edu, and include:

  • Student name
  • Student ID number
  • Department and academic level
  • Name of assistantship supervisor
  • Information about additional employment such as period of employment, name and contact of employer, and job title or short description of duties.

GTA Training Workshop Aug 16-17

Since 1991, Virginia Tech has conducted the Graduate Teaching Assistant Workshop (GRAD 5004) to assist GTAs in developing as a teacher. The workshop is designed to provide recommendations and advice by experienced and dedicated faculty, staff and graduate students in topics related to being a successful university educator.

The GTA Workshop is offered in two parts:

  • Phase I: Two half-day workshops, all parts mandatory
  • Phase II: Twenty-eight short sessions, of which students must select and attend three.

Course communication, resources, assignments, and grading will occur via a Scholar website.  Workshop sessions will be focused on three themes:

  1. Climate & Diversity: Develop appreciation of and strategies to handle different cultures, learning styles, and beliefs that you might experience in the classroom.
  2. Ethics: Consider the various ethical issues you may be challenged with in the classroom and learn how to prevent or handle infractions.
  3. Teaching Techniques & Skills: Presentation of and experimentation with best- practice strategies that enhance student learning.

Visit the GTA Workshop website for further details.

New Student Orientation Activities

The following events are available to all new graduate students to help them successfully transition to graduate school and life in Blacksburg:

  • Welcome Center and Information Fair August 16-20 in the Graduate Life Center lobby and hallways. Resource tables offer a range of information, coupons and  giveaways from campus and community organizations. Graduate student ambassadors assist new students in finding resources that are most important to them, from academic support to health and wellness services and more.
  • GTA Training Workshop August 16-17 (must pre-register to attend): This workshop offers intensive introduction and training for new Graduate Teaching Assistants. Visit the GTA Workshop homepage for details.
  • Make yourself at home in Blacksburg, August 18, 4:00-6:00pm in the GLC. This new program is designed to help new graduate students connect with people and resources that can help them succeed in graduate school and maintain a healthy life balance. Participating organizations include the Graduate School, Cranwell International Center, Cook Counseling Center, the Women’s Center, a variety of graduate student organizations and more. No registration needed but feel free to sign up.
  • New Graduate Student Orientation; August 20 at 9:00am in the GLC Auditorium. This optional  session  is available to all new graduate students who wish to learn more about the Graduate School and what to expect during their graduate studies, meet representatives of the Graduate School, the Graduate Honor System, the Graduate Student Assembly, and hear from the Graduate Ombudsperson and the Grad BOV Rep
  • Workshops, iInformation sessions and socials are offered during welcome week and the first three weeks of classes to help students  get started.

If you have any questions about these events, please contact Graduate Student Services, 540.231.9561, grads@vt.edu.