Orientation and Welcome Events
Welcome to Virginia Tech Graduate School! We know that starting graduate school can be a challenge, so we offer a variety of events and activities to help new students connect with fellow students, faculty, staff, and local resources. Click on each event to find out more details. Events with an ** require registration.
Events and sign-up links will be added when plans are confirmed.
International Graduate Student Orientation** August 21
GTA Workshop** - August 20
Graduate Orientation* - August 23
Graduate and Professional Student Senate (GPSS) Welcome Back BBQ - August 23
Lunch with the Dean** (Please only sign-up for one lunch) August 30 September 5
Graduate Student Resource Fair - September 12
What Have I Gotten Myself Into?** September 20
*Registration Requested
**Registration Required
The following workshops are sponsored by University Libraries. Registration is required for all of the sessions and will be held via Zoom. More information, registration links, and recordings of sessions can be found here.
Meet the University Libraries - August 28
Finding Resources for Literature Reviews in the Social and Behavioral Science- September 3
Introduction to Research Data Management - September 4
Getting Started with Zotero - September 9
Tips & Tricks for Literature Reviews in Engineering - September 11
Getting Started with Mendeley - September 16
Literature Reviews and Database Searching for Animal and Life Sciences - September 17
Getting Started with EndNote- September 23
Introduction to LaTeX with Overleaf - September 25
Getting the Most Out of Your Citation Manager - September 30
Advanced LaTeX for ETDs and More - October 7
What You Need to Know: Academic Publishing & Online Profiles - October 9
Popsicles and Pups - Ice Cream Social for Graduate Students with Kids * - August 19
GLC Cafe (Every Thursday and 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month)
Make Yourself at Home - August 22
GPSS Welcome Back BBQ - August 23
Tour of the Lyric Theatre * - September 6
*Registration Requested
Incoming fall 2024 graduate students are invited to attend any of the summer sessions listed below. These workshops will be geared towards helping new students learn about resources and finding connections. All will be at 9am (est) via Zoom.
Getting Started as a Student - Friday, June 28
Getting Started as a Student Powerpoint Slides. Here is an accessible pdf with the information and links from the PowerPoint Slides.
Graduate Student Life - How to Find Community - Monday, July 8
Support and Resources for Spouses/Partners/Children
Managing Expectations in a Research Program
Graduate School Dean Dr. Aimee Surprenant will help you learn how to establish expectations and manage the relationship with your advisor. This session is intended for research students, both master's degree and Ph.D.
I Have an Assistantship. Now What?
If you are an incoming on a graduate assistantship, you may be wondering what steps you need to take next. At this session you will learn more about your contract, what benefits are included with your assistantship and what questions you need to ask your supervisor.