Community Scholars
What is a Community Scholar?
Community scholars are graduate students who specialize in and advocate for the awareness, knowledge, and skills associated with inclusion in the Graduate School and greater community. A scholar's goal is to create dialogue, provide advocacy, and implement change for a more inclusive experience for all graduate students, faculty, staff, and administrators. This involvement can take place in many forms and can be specific to a particular curriculum or department, or it can be more global.
Community scholars propose, design, and implement projects that enhance the quality of life at Virginia Tech in terms of inclusion and affirmation.
As community scholars, graduate students exhibit the following strengths and knowledge in their work:
- Intercultural/Cross-Cultural Understanding
- Advocacy Competencies
- Identity Development Models
- Communication Competencies
- Conflict Resolution Skills
- Attention to Power Dynamics
- Interests of Particular Constituencies/Populations
Each spring, the Graduate School holds a Community Scholars Showcase during which scholars give short lightning-round style presentations about their projects. This year's showcase will be held during Graduate Education Week in March.
Community Scholars are chosen based upon their competency and experiences in inclusion and belief in the Virginia Tech Principles of Community. An application is required. The application is due December 2 at 12 p.m. EST.
Minimum eligibility requirements must be met to apply; these requirements include:
- Must be a current graduate student
- Must be in good standing with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
Applications must include:
- A recent copy of your C.V./Resume.
- A brief overview/extended abstract of your proposed project (300-500 words).
- A draft timeline of the steps required to carry out the project (limit to 300 words).
- An itemized budget for how much funding (<$300) you will need to carry out your project.
To demonstrate competency in inclusion, applicants are encouraged to take GRAD 5214: Diversity and Inclusion for A Global Society, or to demonstrate knowledge based on past experience (e.g., work with inclusion) or course work (e.g., counselor education, sociology).
The program officially takes place in the spring semester but projects/initiatives can be implemented year round. There will be bi-monthly or monthly group meetings and training sessions, which will be scheduled with group input. In March, community scholars will present their initiatives to the University community at the annual Community Scholars Showcase event.
Each community scholar brings gifts of service, culture, and experience. As recognition of these gifts, each scholar will receive $300 for the contributions offered to the university. Additionally, if a student presents their project at a conference, the Graduate School will assist with the conference fees and/or travel, with approval.
Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Strategic Partnerships
disp@vt.edu