Email Announcements
January 26, 2026
Surveys and Info
1 GPSS Feb 5 meeting - President Tim Sands is a guest Speaker!
https://forms.office.com/r/8ZVYdzg1e8
We invite all Graduate and Professional Students to join us in welcoming President Sands! + Free Food while it lasts!
When: Feb 5, 2026, 5 pm
Where: Hybrid: Multipurpose Room GLC + Zoom Link - Register at https://gpss.vt.edu
Virginia Tech President Dr. Tim Sands will be joining us as a special guest speaker. Please RSVP and add your questions for him in the RSVP form as well.
Reach out to gpss@vt.edu for questions and accommodations.
2 International Students: Share your concerns or Info that you'd like your faculty and department know!
https://forms.office.com/r/8ZVYdzg1e8
GPSS has been invited to a webinar organized by Grad School and Cranwell for Departmental Grad Coordinators. We are asked to talk about the challenges international graduate and professional students are currently facing. The goal is to help faculty better understand and support international students in their departments.
3 GPSS now has a fundraising link, and we are excited to raise funds to support, most likely, our travel fund program. Please share the link with people who would be able to donate to GPSS!
https://giving.adv.vt.edu/gift?fund=821092&desc=Grad%20Prof%20Student%20Senate
4 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.
5 All GPSS Weekly Announcements will be posted on the website as well:
https://gpss.vt.edu/index/email-announcements.html
6 Share your thoughts on extending fall break.
The Academic Support Committee has been tasked with examining the possibility of a two-day fall break (adding an additional day). To ensure that the graduate and professional student community is accurately represented during these meetings, please provide any questions or comments you may have for the committee regarding this change.
Events
1 Spring Graduate Resource Fair: Tuesday, February 3rd 2:30-4:30pm, GLC Multipurpose Room, Free Food
https://forms.office.com/r/9Jy7tznNHY
Join GPSS, the Grad School, and the BOV Rep for another exciting Resource Fair. Find free resources from more than 25 organizations at VT! Free food and drinks.
Reach out to Katie with questions or accommodation requests (kdd20@vt.edu)
2 Lunch with the Dean - February 5 or 13, 12-1pm, Free Food
Feel free to register for one of the following dates (Febuary 5 or Febuary 13):
https://tinyurl.com/2s4e8yxy - Febuary 5th
https://tinyurl.com/nhkfrrv3 - Febuary 13th
Join GPSS and the Graduate School for a casual lunch and conversation with Dean Surprenant and fellow graduate students! Feel free to register for either of the February lunches.
Please share any accommodation needs and dietary restrictions on the form.
3 Understanding International Student Rights in collab with VTPD - Thursday, February 12, GLC, Free Food
https://forms.office.com/r/PdE7aWnkAz
GPSS is teaming up with VTPD for an engaging info session and a Q&A for international students. A VTPD officer will walk through your basic rights, explain the roles of VTPD and the Blacksburg Police etc., and discuss what to do during a traffic stop or if ICE agents contact you. Join us to get informed, feel confident, and ask questions.
Reach out to gpss@vt.edu for questions and accommodation
4 Calling all GSO and GSA Leaders! Sign up for the Graduate Student Leadership Retreat: Saturday, February 21, Free Food
https://forms.office.com/r/J2ymwrhmDw
"Do you help lead a graduate student organization (GSO) or assembly (GSA)? Join GPSS leaders, guest speakers, and other students for a half-day retreat designed just for you. Great opportunity for professional development, networking, and improving your GSO/GSA/graduate experience. Complete the interest form below!
https://forms.office.com/r/J2ymwrhmDw
Event Details: February 21st, 10:00-2:00; GLC Room F; Lunch and snacks provided"
Reach out to Katie with questions or accommodation requests (kdd20@vt.edu)
5 Be the next Graduate/Professional Representative to the Board of Visitors--Info Sessions February 4th & 9th
Are you looking for a leadership role that will help you foster change for graduate and professional students at Virginia Tech? Apply to be the next Graduate/Professional Student Representative to the VT Board of Visitors! The BOV rep has unparalleled access to VT’s highest governing body, which provides ample opportunities for professional development and advocacy. Learn more at a hybrid info session on Wednesday, Feb. 4th at 4:30 or Monday, Feb. 9th at 5:00 in DDS 240 and on zoom.
Reach out to Katie with questions (kdd20@vt.edu)
Programs
1 Travel Fund Program (TFP) opening today - Jan 19
"The TFP application will be open January 19th - February 16th. 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)"
https://gpss.vt.edu/programs/tfp.html
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!
Miscellaneous
1 Follow GPSS Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/vtgpss/?hl=en
2 1-Credit Course: The Connection Project - Increase your Sense of Belonging
https://hokiewellness.vt.edu/students/initiatives/connection_project.html
A 1-credit course offered this spring focused on building confidence, forming meaningful connections, and strengthening students’ sense of belonging on campus.
TCP has been a powerful experience for many students, helping them connect with peers and feel more engaged in the university community.
We encourage you to take a look and share this opportunity widely with friends and student groups who might benefit.
3 Anonymous form to contact GPSS