Email Announcements

March 9, 2026

Surveys and Info

1 Disclosing Conflict of Interest and commitment for Grad Students

Virginia Tech is implementing a centralized, routinized process for disclosing conflicts of interest and commitment (COI-C) across all benefited employees, graduate student employees, and sponsored project researchers. Please review the attached COI-C handout, and bring your questions to the next meeting.

2 International Travel during Spring and Summer 2025

Please refer to the Jan 22 GPSS meeting slides. Connect with tax@vt.edu and the Cranwell International Center at least one month before your travel. Let us know if you have any questions.

GPSS is planning an event with Cranwell, Tax Compliance office, grad school, etc., to answer your questions on international travel. Date: TBD. Please send your questions so we can share them with the presenters.

3 Spending Spring Break on Campus?

https://forms.office.com/r/VV7gCGgK6E

Take a break and stop by for a casual hangout! Connect with fellow grad students, relax in a welcoming space, and enjoy free refreshments and good company.

Events

1 Springing Into Connection - Tuesday, March 17, 5 to 7pm, GLC - Multipurpose Room, Free Food

https://forms.office.com/r/9TUDR1X2X2

Take time for yourself while building friendships and strengthening your support system at this engaging, interactive event! Meet fellow grad students in a relaxed, welcoming environment and enjoy a variety of crafting stations.

Reach out to gpss@vt.edu for questions and accommodation

2 Know your Rights & Responsibilities with Immigration Lawyer - Friday, March 20, 5 to 7:30pm, Goodall room -Newman Library, Free Food

https://forms.office.com/r/D1GcDm60LJ

Join us for an informative session with an immigration lawyer, Trey DeBrine, to learn about your rights and responsibilities in the US. Topics include encounters with police, ICE or DHS, travel risks and reentry, visa and SEVIS issues, and key legal protections. Get clear guidance on maintaining status and staying compliant with US laws.

Venue: Hybrid: Newman Library - Goodall Room and Zoom (https://virginiatech.zoom.us/j/89382194491)

Join Trey DeBrine for a casual conversation over Dinner at 5 pm.

Have questions for him? - Send them through the RSVP form or the anonymous form on the GPSS website.

Reach out to gpss@vt.edu for questions and accommodation

Programs

1 42nd Annual GPSS Research Symposium and Exposition: Wednesday, March 25, 2026

https://gpss.vt.edu/programs/gsars.html

Start Preparing to present your research and ideas to a broad audience at the GPSS Research Symposium and Exposition! Compete for scholarships and awards generously sponsored by university offices, colleges, and departments.

2 Cap and Gown Loan Program (May commencement)

https://gpss.vt.edu/programs/cap-and-gown.html

Are you graduating this May? Planning on taking photos or walking at the in-person ceremonies, but need a cap and gown? GPSS has caps and gowns for graduate students to borrow! The "Dr. Rich" Cap and Gown Loan Program will be open for applications on Monday, March 9th. We have limited apparel so loans will be first come, first served. If you do borrow from us, please note that you will need to return the gown dry cleaned, with a receipt. Hoods are not included.