Email Announcements
March 30, 2026
Surveys and Info
1 Submit a Comment or Sign up to Speak on Proposed Tuition and Fees for 2026-2027
Go to bov.vt.edu to submit a written comment or sign up for a speaking spot at the Board of Visitors public hearing on April 2nd at 1:30pm. The board will hear comments from the VT community on proposed tuition and fees increases (up to 2.9% increase) for the next academic year.
Submit a written comment before April 6: https://bov.vt.edu/Submit-a-comment
Register for a 3-minute speaking slot at the meeting before March 26th: https://bov.vt.edu/Register-To-Speak
Questions? Email Katie (BOV Grad Rep) at kdd20@vt.edu
2 GPSS Executive Board Annual Elections
The Graduate and Professional Student Senate (GPSS) is announcing the available positions for the 2026-27 Executive Board elections. GPSS represents 7,000+ graduate and professional students across Virginia Tech, serving as a liaison to administration, advocating through policy, and fostering community.
Eligibility: Any current graduate or professional student (no prior Senate experience required).
Positions (7): President, Vice President, Director of Finance & Treasurer, Director of Advocacy, Director of Programs, Director of Events, Director of Communications (Honorarium: $5,000/year).
1 Nominated Position: CGPSA Chair (Unpaid).
Application process: (1) Submit your election packet (gpss.vt.edu) to the Election Officer, Chizoba Obunadike (chizobaobunadike@vt.edu), by April 6, 11:59 PM. (2) Present at the GPSS Senate meeting on April 16 (5:30–7 PM).
See the election packet for details or email gpss@vt.edu.
3 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.
1. The presentation from Cranwell, Tax Compliance, Grad Finance, Global Safety and Risk Management, Chemistry Dept HR, and a graduate student who had to travel this semester is attached to the email. For more info, contact the presenters using their preferred method mentioned in the presentation.
2. We are also sharing PPTs from the GPSS events with VTPD and the Immigration Lawyer for your reference.
4 GPSS + Student Affairs "Graduate Student Health & Well-Being Working Group" Proposal - Need Volunteers
Following GPSS’s yearlong efforts, a new Graduate Student Health and Well-Being Working Group is being formed in collaboration with Student Affairs to drive meaningful, system-level change. We are seeking graduate student volunteers who are passionate about improving well-being, shaping policies, and amplifying student voice. This is an opportunity to contribute to initiatives around services, events, and structural improvements that impact the graduate experience. Your perspectives and lived experiences will play a critical role in guiding this work.
1) If you are interested in being part of this group, please email us at gpss@vt.edu.
2) If you have any suggestions in this proposal (attached), please send them to gpss@vt.edu
Events
1 Paint and Pot - Bloom into Spring | April 7 (Tuesday), 5-7pm GLC Multipurpose Room
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/LgZJVjhkhD
Come join us for a plant and paint night! All supplies included. Free food from Roots and desserts will be available while supplies last!
Reach out to gpss@vt.edu for questions and accommodation.
2 Coping with Stress from Global Events: Check-In & Connect| April 9 (Thursday) 9 to 10:30 am, GLC Room F & Zoom | RSVP ASAP
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/2d5R0aDcYG
* Many students are feeling the weight of ongoing global events and are carrying a heavy emotional burden. For many, it is affecting families, friends, and making it hard to focus, rest, or feel at ease. To offer a space of support, GPSS, in collaboration with Student Affairs, is hosting a breakfast where students can come together, share their experiences, find comfort, and seek support.
* This event is intended for students from the countries affected by war, as well as for everyone who may be experiencing a sense of unrest because of the current global events.
* The following top leaders from Student Affairs who oversee student well-being will be present, so you can request any support you may need:
- Frances Keene (VP, Student Affairs)
- Meaghan Davidson (Dean of Students)
- Lauren Oliver (Director, Cranwell International Center)
- Zackary Cockrum (Embedded Counselor, Grad School)
- Hokie Wellness Leaders
Reach out to gpss@vt.edu for questions and accommodation
Programs
1 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 receipt. Hoods are not included. **we are already very low on PhD gowns**
Miscellaneous
1 Article on GPSS in VT's Governance Corner
2 Announcement for Graduate Student Organizations (GSOs)
All funding requests for events occurring between May 1 and October 1, 2026, need to be submitted to the Graduate Student Budget Board (GSBB) by March 31st at 11:59 pm!
3 Fun Opportunity + Earn $15 Voucher
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0B48AFAC29A3F49-63035688-dining#/
The Communications folks for Dining are looking for students for a video and photoshoot to promote the Dining facilities. Students will receive a $15 meal voucher for participating. It’s open to all students - undergrad and graduate, on- or off-campus.
If you or your students have questions, you can contact Tim at tskiles@vt.edu.
4 Follow GPSS Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/vtgpss/?hl=en
5 Anonymous form to contact GPSS