The Graduate School will celebrate 2017 Graduate Education Week March 27-31 with five days of events and activities focusing on students, faculty, programs, and initiatives at Virginia Tech.

The week features a range of activities aimed at the university community, but includes free events open to the public as well.

Events and recognition stretch beyond Blacksburg and will be celebrated at the university’s National Capital Region campuses, too.

One of the largest events during the week is the Graduate Student Assembly Research Symposium and Exposition on Wednesday, held in the Graduate Life Center at Donaldson Brown (GLC), 155 Otey St. The free public event includes poster, video, and short-discussion presentations from graduate students.

Here are some of the events planned for the Blacksburg campus. All of them take place at the GLC:

  • Monday’s events include a student appreciation buffet lunch in the multipurpose room. At 5 p.m., a panel of professional women will share their stories in the multipurpose room. Hear from faculty and staff around the University about their experiences as women in the professional world. Learn strategies and suggestions for navigating and balancing work and life. Register here.
  • Tuesday will feature a faculty panel discussion, “Graduate Advising and Mentoring Matters,” at 4:30 p.m. in GLC room F. The panelists represent faculty across all disciplines who work with or advise graduate students. The program will begin with introductory comments from the faculty panel, and will include a question-and-answer period and discussion among attendees. Light refreshments will be served. Online registration is requested but not required.
  • ​Wednesday’s main event is the GSA Research Symposium and Exposition from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. At 2 p.m., Career and Professional Services will hold a LinkedIn Lab in the lobby of the Graduate School. Students can get professional headshot photos taken and can review their LinkedIn profiles.
  • On Thursday the Graduate School honors top doctoral and master’s degree students at an annual awards banquet. The school also will recognize members of the Edward A. Bouchet Graduate Honor Society and name the outstanding graduate student of the year. Additionally, the first winners of the outstanding faculty mentor awards will be honored. This new award recognizes a top mentor from each college.
  • Friday concludes the week with the annual Big Cook Out at 4:30 p.m. on the GLC lawn across from Squires Student Center.

Find more information about the week’s events, including links to register for meals and panels, at the Graduate Education Week webpage.

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