Email Announcements

February 16, 2026

Surveys and Info

1 Giving Day is almost here! Please share this link with friends, family, alumni and faculty who can donate! Feb 18 & 19

https://givingday.vt.edu/giving-day/107794/donate?dept=107830

This is GPSS’s first year with a Foundation Fund account, and we are excited to begin accepting gifts and donations. Your support will help expand our most in-demand Travel Fund Program so more graduate and professional students can travel for the conferences and grow their careers.

Share the Giving Day link with friends, family, alumni, faculty, and LinkedIn. Every gift, of any amount, makes a difference. Help us make this a success and empower students to reach new opportunities!

Area of Support: Student Organizations
Fund Designation: Graduate and Professional Student Senate

2 International Travel during Spring and Summer 2025

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

2 International Travel during Spring and Summer 2025

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

3 Share your thoughts University Strategic Plan - Future of VT

https://virginiatech.questionpro.com/t/Absi8Z7ptm

Give feedback on future of learning, research and discovery, engagement at VT.

• What is missing or needs to change for the new strategic plan?

• What should be the role of these missing items and/or changes in the new strategic plan?

• What other information do you have for the new strategic plan?

Events

1 Senate Meeting: Graduate School Ombuds on Conflict Management; Feb 19, 5:30 to 7 pm, MPR and Zoom, Free Food

When: Thursday, Feb 19; 5:30 pm to 7 pm

Where: Hybrid - Multipurpose Room, GLC and Zoom (https://virginiatech.zoom.us/meeting/register/QWo4pUlHRMCsCkBg_fTp5g)

* Bring your questions on setting expectations, navigating conflicts, and building a healthy relationship with your advisor.

* Or Send them to us using the Anonymous form on the GPSS website - https://forms.office.com/r/MW1AApYLRW

* Please share this invite with anyone you think is struggling to have a healthy relationship with their advisor.

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

2 The Power of No - Boundary Setting in personal and professional relationships- Feb 26, 5:30 to 7pm, GLC Wellness Room, Free Food

https://forms.gle/J1qYEECfZkxVAn5G8

Join the office of Sexual Violence Prevention and Education and GPSS for an interactive workshop where you will learn practical tools for setting boundaries and saying No without guilt in your personal and professional relationships.

RSVP by Feb 19

For questions or accommodation requests email gpss@vt.edu

3 DIY Tote Bag Decorating - Tuesday, March 3, 5 to 7pm, GLC Multipurpose Room, Free Food

https://forms.office.com/r/uWqiMaG4Yy

Get creative at our Tote Bag Craft Night! Personalize your own tote with fun designs, colors, and embellishments. Tote bags and all supplies provided. Just bring your imagination!

Please reach out to gpss@vt.edu for questions or accommodation requests

4 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 GPSS website.

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

Programs

Travel Fund Program (TFP) - Closes on Feb 16

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

The TFP application closes on February 16th. Award notifications will be sent by early March.

TFP provides grants to partially offset expenses associated with graduate student conference travel, including transportation, registration fees, lodging, and meals for domestic and international travel.

For questions please contact Megan Grey (greym@vt.edu)

2 42nd Annual GPSS Research Symposium and Exposition: Wednesday, March 25, 2026

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.

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

Volunteer Opportunities

1 Travel Fund Program (TFP) - Application Reviewers needed

The TFP closes February 16th and needs volunteers to review applications. Each review would take around 5-10 minutes. Please fill out the following form if interested!

https://tinyurl.com/4n3ee8au