GearUp! Program, Fall 2025
Welcome to Virginia Tech!
GearUp! is a full-day workshop of multiple introductory programs for new graduate students. The event is intended to introduce participants to resources and initiatives that will assist them with the student experience. From an overview of the Ombuds office to wellness activities, the sessions in GearUp! are meant to give students the tools to navigate their continuing education at Virginia Tech.
This program will be held on Tuesday, August 19, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. We will have in-person gatherings in Alexandria and Blacksburg as well as a virtual option. Space for in-person attendance is limited. We will inform you if you have received a spot.
Please know that your programs, departments, and/or colleges may have events scheduled for you on this day. Check with your advisors or Grad Program Coordinators to confirm your availability. If you learn of a conflict after registering, let us know so that we may open your seat to another interested student.
Register with this form: https://forms.office.com/r/kBuwYy2mEJ. If you have disability accommodation needs, let us know at least 10 business days before the event.
- 8:30-9:00 a.m.: Light Refreshements
- 9-9:15 a.m.: Welcome
- 9:15-10:15 a.m.: People will People: Bridging the Gap between Culture and Curriculum
- Presenter: Ashley Offutt, Director, Scholar Support
- 10:15-10:30 a.m.: Wellness Break
- 10:30-11 a.m.: Introduction to the Ombuds Role
- Presenter: Bryan Hanson, Ph.D., Graduate Student Ombudsperson
- 11 a.m.-12 p.m.: Finance Fundamentals
- Presenter: Megan Darmanin, Hokie Wellness, Assistant Director, Financial Literacy
- 12-12:45 p.m.: Lunch
- 12:45-1:45 p.m.: Time Management: Student Success, Hacks, and Being Honest About Boundary Setting
- Presenter: Ashley Offutt, Director, Scholar Support
- 1:45-2:30 p.m.: Building Common Ground Activity
- Presenter: Catherine Cotrupi, Ph.D., Assistant Dean for Student Services, Inclusion, and Strategic Partnerships
- 2:30-2:45 p.m.: Wellness Break
- 2:45-3:45 p.m.: Work-Life Balance, Social Wellness, and Well-Being Resources on Campus
- Presenter: Colleen Driscoll, Hokie Wellness Assistant Director, Mental Health
- 3:45-4:15 p.m.: Transitioning to Graduate School
- Presenter: Lauren Surface, Director for Graduate Student Services
- 4:15-4:30 p.m.: Introduction to CliftonStrengths
- Presenter: Lindsay Barron, Graduate Student Services Coordinator
- 4:30-5 p.m.: Reflection & Individual Development Plan
- Presenters: Dr. Alicia Johnson, Ph.D., College of Engineering Director of Graduate and Professional Studies, and Becky Langford, College of Engineering Assistant Director of Graduate and Professional Studies
September 10, 2-3:30 p.m.: Full CliftonStrengths Session Presenter: Lindsay Barron, Graduate Student Services Coordinator
October 8, 2:00PM-3:30PM: Building and Maintaining Healthy Mentor/Mentee Relationships: starting off right with your advisor Presenter: Bryan Hanson, Ph.D., Graduate Student Ombudsperson
November 12, 2-3:30 p.m.: Owning your Process: Getting Off to a Strong Start in Your Graduate Program
Presenter: Holly Matusovich, Ph.D., Associate Dean of Graduate and Professional Studies, Professor of Engineering Education)
December 10, 2-3:30 p.m.: How to Talk About Graduate School When You Go Home. (Panel discussion)