Virginia Tech’s 24th Graduate Education Week, scheduled for March 25-29, shines a spotlight on the work of Virginia Tech’s more than 7,000 graduate students across all the university’s colleges and campuses.

This year’s theme asks a fun and thoughtful question: What’s your superpower? At Virginia Tech, graduate students display their superpowers in a wide variety of ways: teaching in classrooms, researching in labs, and providing vital support to myriad programs.

Universities across the nation observe Graduate Education Week to highlight the importance of graduate education and increase awareness of the contributions of graduate students to teaching, research, and service. As an R1 university, so classified because it is considered to be one of the most research-intensive institutions in the nation and because it offers at least 20 doctoral degrees, Virginia Tech relies on graduate students in labs and classrooms at its campuses across the commonwealth and beyond.

The Graduate School has planned several activities for graduate students. The offerings include virtual events and workshops.

On March 27, student research will be the highlight during the annual day-long research symposium hosted by the Graduate and Professional Student Senate. The symposium is open to the public and includes poster sessions and presentations.

Here's what's happening during the week. Additional activities can be found on the Graduate Education Week website.

Monday, March 25

Accepted ... Now What? 1 p.m., Zoom

This event for newly admitted students provides information regarding the Graduate School's timeline and next steps and offers an opportunity to ask questions about the university, programs, the community and more. Registration is required.

Removing the Mystery of the ETD Review, 7 p.m., Zoom

Graduate School staff members provide tips and guidance for students who are nearing completion of their degree journey and preparing to submit their electronic thesis or dissertation for review. Registration is requested.

Tuesday, March 26

Finding Your Superpowers, 10:30 a.m.-noon, Graduate Life Center Room B

Participants will learn about what their Top 5 Gallup CliftonStrengths mean individually and collectively for those around them. Identifying those strengths helps students recognize how they can and do show up in the decisions making and interactions with others. The workshop will be held again on Friday, March 29, at the same time in the same place.

Participants for the workshops must complete the Gallup CliftonStrengths Assessment before the workshop. Registration is requested.

Becoming a Super Negotiator, 11 a.m.-noon, Zoom

Career and Professional Development will lead this workshop that identifies factors involved in career decisions and information on how to negotiate. Attendees also will learn about web-based tools for determining cost-of-living and salary ranges. Registration is required.

Building a Growth Mindset, 3-4 p.m., Graduate Life Center Room C

The Hokie Wellness team will discuss cultivating a growth mindset and identifying beliefs around intelligence and ability while exploring concepts like receiving feedback, using supportive self-talk, and the power of effort. Register online.

Grad Movie Night at The Lyric: "Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire," The Lyric Theatre, Blacksburg 

Graduate students can enjoy a night at the movies, compliments of the Graduate School and The Lyric. Free tickets are available to students in Room 120 of the Graduate Life Center from 9 a.m. to 4p.m. beginning March 18.  One ticket per graduate student.

Wednesday, March 27

Graduate and Professional Student Senate 40th Annual Research Symposium and Exposition, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Graduate Life Center multipurpose room and meeting rooms

The Research Symposium and Exposition showcases the work of full-time and part-time graduate students at Virginia Tech, focusing on  their scholarly pursuits and achievements across colleges and disciplines. Learn more and find a schedule of events.

How to Use iThenticate, 6 p.m., Zoom

Attendees will learn how to navigate the iThenticate software, submit a document for review, and evaluate flagged passages for revision or exclusion at this session for graduate students and faculty. Register online.

Thursday, March 28

Diversity Scholars Showcase, noon-1 p.m., Graduate Life Center multipurpose room

Hear from this year's Diversity Scholars about their projects designed to advocate for the awareness, knowledge, and skills associated with diversity and inclusion in the Graduate School and greater community.  Lunch is provided. Register online.

Graduate Education Week Awards Reception, invitation only, 7 p.m., Graduate Life Center multipurpose room

This annual event honors graduate students who have distinguished themselves in teaching, research and service and also honors outstanding faculty mentors. 

Friday, March 29

Super Big Cook Out, 4:30 p.m., Graduate School lawn and Graduate Life Center multipurpose room

Graduate students and their families are invited to enjoy food, music, and games.  Hethwood Market will provide meat and vegetarian options. DJ Flex will provide music that is sponsored by the Graduate and Professional Student Senate.

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