Cranwell Connect: January 6, 2026

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Cranwell Connect
January 6, 2026    Connect with us and make new friends at the BreakZone in Squires Student Center, January 14!
THIS WEEK
Roll Into Winter: Bowling and Snow Globe Making Social   Cranwell welcomes you back to VT with a bowling activity, snow globe making craft, and food gathering for new international students to meet returning Hokies! All are welcome, including families! Join us January 14 to bring in the Spring semester with some fun, treats, and new faces!   When: Wednesday, Jan 14. 2-4pm  Where: Squires BreakZone  What: Bowling, snow globe crafting, and food  Who: New and returning international Hokies      Global Ambassador Program    Cranwell is relaunching the Global Ambassador Program for Fall 2026! The Global Ambassadors are a volunteer leadership initiative for VT students committed to becoming globally minded leaders on campus. Through a series of workshops, mentorship opportunities, cultural competency development, and reflective practices, ambassadors gain the skills to foster belonging, connection, and celebration within a community. Participants will design and implement a capstone project that directly benefits the international student community at VT.   Who is Eligible:  Current full or part-time VT students.  Undergraduate and graduate students.  Must be in good academic standing.   Time Commitment:  Between 12-20 hours a semester.  - One 2 hours long meeting every two-three weeks.  - Attend at least 1 Cranwell program a semester (usually 1-1.5 hours in length)  - Volunteer for at least 1 Cranwell program a semester (usually 1-1.5 hour in length)  - Attend all-day retreat in January  - Participate in program(s) and preparation as designed by cohort availability  Benefits:  Certificate of Completion  LinkedIn Learning Badge  Gain leadership, project management, and intercultural communication skills  Engage in personal and professional development through mentorship from professional staff  Build connections with peers, mentors, and international student leaders  Make an impact on the international student experience at VT    To apply: Either follow the QR code or click the link: Global Ambassador Application: Fall 2026 – Fill out form    Applications open: Nov 13- January 30, 2026
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Cranwell Connect
January 23, 2026    Are you a new international student for Spring 2026 and missed orientation? You can email sus...@vt.edu to receive a copy of the video!
THIS WEEK
Did I Just Cheat? Navigating Integrity, Culture, and Your Visa Status  Learn how to avoid common academic integrity mistakes! Join Academic Integrity, El Centro, The Cranwell International Center, and The Global Education Office to explore concepts, nuances, barriers, and outcomes regarding academic integrity.   When: Wednesday, Jan 28. 11:30am- 1PM  Where: El Centro, Squires Student Center. In-person only.  Free lunch provided from Roots Natural Kitchen!   Please register: Registration: Academic Integrity Program – Fill out form      Roanoke Campus: Coffee with Cranwell  For our Roanoke students, Cranwell and Hokie Wellness is offering our first Coffee with Cranwell this January on the Roanoke campus! This is a great opportunity to chat about any questions that don’t quite fit into an advising appointment. Or, just come to meet new friends and socialize! No registration is required.     When: Friday, January 30th, noon-1:30 PM  Where: Center for Inclusion, 205 B, 1 Riverside   International Café Hour: A Taste of Turkish Culture 🎉 Experience the Vibrant Spirit of Türkiye!  Join the Turkish Student Association at Virginia Tech, Dining Services, and the Cranwell International Center for an unforgettable celebration of Turkish culture!  📍 Deet’s Place (Large Side Room)  📅 Friday, January 30th, 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM  🎟 Free Admission + Exciting Giveaways!  ✨ What to Expect:  Enjoy savory and sweet Turkish dishes and an authentic beverage, all provided by Dining Services – Everyone is Welcome!  Explore colorful cultural displays created by VT's own Turkish Student Association  Watch student-led presentations that bring Türkiye’s rich history and traditions to life  Test your knowledge in fun trivia games  Win prizes — including a chance to score 2 FREE tickets to a Center for the Arts performance!  This is your chance to immerse yourself in Turkish culture, connect with new people, and celebrate the beauty of international community right here at Virginia Tech!  📧 Accessibility Accommodations:  If you are an individual with a disability and require accommodations, please contact Fawna Zwart at fa...@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days before the event.  Come curious, leave inspired — Hoş geldiniz! (Welcome!)     It’s You Career Series… Job Searching in Academia    Join Cranwell International Center, Career and Professional Development, and The Graduate School to learn the ways to search for career paths as an academic! You will learn about the job search, the visa process, and other strategies that support your academic career!     When: 2/3/26, 5:30-6:30 pm    Where: Hybrid event. Food provided for in-person.    In-person: GLC, Room C  Zoom: https://virginiatech.zoom.us/j/86470308922        Coffee with Cranwell    Join Cranwell International Center and Hokie Wellness for Coffee with Cranwell: An Immigration Lounge! This is a great space to ask questions that aren’t quite right for an immigration advising appointment. Come chat with an International Student Adviser or a Hokie Wellness counselor to discuss any questions about the current immigration landscape. Or just come to have a cup of coffee or tea and relax with friends! All are welcome. Feel free to bring your own mug!     When: February 6, 3-5pm     Where: Harper Hall, Community Room 1025     H-1B Workshop    Join Cranwell International Center for an information session to learn more about changing an F-1 or J-1 visa status to an H-1B. Come listen to immigration lawyers talk through different options and get your questions answered!     Free food and refreshments will be provided!     Date: February 11, 5-6 PM     Where: This is a hybrid event. Food provided for in-person.   In-person: GLC, Room F, 5-6pm  Zoom: https://virginiatech.zoom.us/j/82239435347
CAMPUS PARTNERS
Upcoming Career and Professional Development Workshops  The Office of Career and Professional Development offers an incredible array of workshops to boost your career readiness. From resume writing to career fair prep, job searches in industry and the academic market, there is something for everyone. See the CPD website for more information about upcoming workshops. Well-being and the Job Search Series Job searching can be stressful and isolating! This series from Career and Professional Development helps you manage stress and stay grounded while navigating a job search. Register online via Handshake, for accommodations please email Grace Wagnon at gra...@vt.edu January 28, 5:00 – 6:00 pm Values and Locus of Control when Job Searching February 2, 5:00-6:00 pm Networking and Imposter Syndrome February 24, 5:00-6:00 pm Job Hunting & Time Management March 18, 5:00 – 6:00 pm Interviewing and Growth Mindset Open Market Hours The Market at Virginia Tech will be open to any Virginia Tech student on a drop-in basis during the following dates/times:  January 22 - May 1  Thursdays: 2-6 p.m. Fridays: 10a.m. - 2 p.m. As a reminder, Open Hours are times when any student is welcome to access the non-perishable pantry. The Market at VT requires no sign-up, forms, or registration; students simply need to bring their Hokie Passport and a bag if they have one.    Additionally, the Market at VT is launching a list serv to provide timely updates about The Market’s hours, special pickups, and semi-regular updates about other support resources available on campus and throughout the New River Valley community. Students, faculty, staff, and community members are all welcome to sign up to receive these updates!

[cranwellconnect]

The Council for International Student Organizations (CISO) invites you a night free bowling at the BreakZone in Squires this Thursday, January 29, 6:00 – 8:00 pm. No need to register—just show up!

Free food & drinks:

[cranwellconnect]

Apologies for re-posting, but this event has been shifted to 6:30 – 8:30 PM:

 

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Cranwell Connect
February 3, 2026
THIS WEEK
Missed Orientation?

Are you a new international student for Spring 2026 and missed orientation? You can email sus...@vt.edu to receive a copy of the video!

Graduate Resource Fair If you are a new international graduate student, make sure to stop by the Graduate Resource Fair to learn about tons of campus resources available to you!  When: February 3, 2026, 2:30-4:30 PM Where: GLC, Multi-Purpose Room

It’s You Career Series… Job Searching in Academia

Join Cranwell International Center, Career and Professional Development, and The Graduate School as we explore career opportunities within academia! Gain insights on job search strategies, navigating visa processes, and asking questions to help you pursue your ideal academic career!  Free snacks and refreshments will be provided. When: February 3, 2026, 5:30-6:30 pm  Where: GLC, Room C This is a hybrid event! Use the following link to sign up for the Zoom option: https://virginiatech.zoom.us/j/86470308922

Coffee with Cranwell    Join Cranwell International Center and Hokie Wellness for Coffee with Cranwell: An Immigration Lounge! This is a great space to ask questions that aren’t quite right for an immigration advising appointment. Come chat with an International Student Adviser or a Hokie Wellness counselor to discuss any questions about the current immigration landscape. Or just come to have a cup of coffee or tea and relax with friends! All are welcome. Feel free to bring your own mug!

When: Friday, February 6, 3-5pm

Where: Harper Hall, Community Room 1025

International Student Day at The Rock Wall with Rec Sports  Join Cranwell International Center and Venture Out for a free day at the rock wall this Saturday! No experience is necessary and open to all levels.   You have two time slot options: 10 AM- noon or 1 PM- 3 PM. Please click the link below to register for a time slot. You can still show up if you don’t register, but you will have to fill out paperwork when you get to the Venture Out building.   Please come dressed for climbing/exercise. Shoes are provided.   When: Saturday, February 7, either 10 AM- Noon or 1 PM- 3PM  Where: Venture Out Building, 540 Beamer Way  Please register for this event by clicking on the link: https://connect.recsports.vt.edu/program/GetProgramDetails?courseId=aaed31ec-c3db-46eb-a89d-08df07b62de1

H-1B Workshop    Join Cranwell International Center for an information session to learn more about changing an F-1 or J-1 visa status to an H-1B. Come listen to immigration lawyers talk through different options and get your questions answered!     Free food and refreshments will be provided!

When: February 11, 5-6 PM

Where: This is a hybrid event. Food provided for in-person.   In-person: GLC, Room F, 5-6pm  Zoom: https://virginiatech.zoom.us/j/82239435347

Explore The World Without Leaving Campus    Mozaiko is hosting a Snaps & Snacks event on Tuesday, February 17th at 6:00 PM at 1025 Harper Hall. Join us for photos, stories, and free food as we learn about cool places around the world!  📍 Location: 1025 Harper Hall  Please enter through the main door facing Cochrane’s dumpsters.  📅 Date & Time: Tuesday, February 17th, 6:00 PM  🎟 Cost: Free admission + free food  ✨ What to Expect:  ·        Kinsey will kick off the event at 6:00 PM by sharing photos and stories from her study abroad experience  ·        A slideshow featuring photos submitted by the VT community  ·        Stories about places people have lived, visited, and traveled  ·        Time to connect and make a list of places you’d like to visit or learn more about  📸 Want to share a photo?  Submit a picture using this form by 2/13/2026 to be included in the slideshow.  🍽 RSVP required so we can purchase enough food and drinks for everyone: RSVP link      Experience the Vibrant Spirit of China!  Join the Association of Chinese Students and Scholars at Virginia Tech, Dining Services, and the Cranwell International Center for an unforgettable celebration of Chinese culture!

📍 Deet’s Place (Large Side Room)

📅 Friday, February 20th, 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM

🎟 Free Admission + Exciting Giveaways!

✨ What to Expect:  Enjoy savory and sweet Chinese dishes and an authentic beverage, all provided by Dining Services  Explore colorful cultural displays created by VT's own Association of Chinese Students and Scholars  Watch student-led presentations that bring China’s rich history and traditions to life

Test your knowledge in fun trivia games  Win prizes — including a chance to score 2 FREE tickets to a Center for the Arts performance!

This is your chance to immerse yourself in Chinese culture, connect with new people, and celebrate the beauty of cultural community right here at Virginia Tech!   Everyone is Welcome!  📧 Accessibility Accommodations:  If you are an individual with a disability and require accommodations, please contact Fawna Zwart at fa...@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days in advance
CAMPUS PARTNERS
Women’s Center: Kids' Night Out Returns!   Free childcare on Thursday evenings from 6:30-8pm at the VT Women's Community Center at 206 Washington Street.   Drop your child off for an evening of playtime and fun with our volunteer sitters. Kids enjoy toys, games, snacks, and maybe a movie! Sign up in advance as spaces are limited, and children must be toilet trained. See link to the form listed for Kids’ Night Out at womenscenter.vt.edu each Monday for more info.

Upcoming Career and Professional Development Workshops  The Office of Career and Professional Development offers an incredible array of workshops to boost your career readiness. From resume writing to career fair prep, job searches in industry and the academic market, there is something for everyone. See the CPD website for more information about upcoming workshops.

Preparing for Technical Interviews Panel This session features a panel of employers who will also be attending the CS Source Career Fair. February 4, 5:00 PM Where: Zoom, link in Handshake https://vt.joinhandshake.com/stu/events/1893700

Well-being and the Job Search Series Job searching can be stressful and isolating! This series from Career and Professional Development helps you manage stress and stay grounded while navigating a job search. Register online via Handshake, for accommodations please email Grace Wagnon at gra...@vt.edu

February 2, 5:00-6:00 pm Networking and Imposter Syndrome

[cranwellconnect]

Cranwell Connect
February 10, 2026
THIS WEEK
Job Searching in Academia Make Up Video    If you missed Job Searching in Academia but would like access to the video, please email sus...@vt.edu.

H-1B Workshop    Join Cranwell International Center for an information session to learn more about changing an F-1 or J-1 visa status to an H-1B. Come listen to immigration lawyers talk through different options and get your questions answered!     Free food and refreshments will be provided!     When: February 11, 5-6 PM     Where: This is a hybrid event. Food provided for in-person.   In-person: GLC, Room F, 5-6pm  Zoom: https://virginiatech.zoom.us/j/82239435347      Explore The World Without Leaving Campus    Mozaiko is hosting a Snaps & Snacks event on Tuesday, February 17th at 6:00 PM at 1025 Harper Hall. Join us for photos, stories, and free food as we learn about cool places around the world!  📍 Location: 1025 Harper Hall  Please enter through the main door facing Cochrane’s dumpsters.  📅 Date & Time: Tuesday, February 17th, 6:00 PM  🎟 Cost: Free admission + free food  ✨ What to Expect:  ·        Kinsey will kick off the event at 6:00 PM by sharing photos and stories from her study abroad experience  ·        A slideshow featuring photos submitted by the VT community  ·        Stories about places people have lived, visited, and traveled  ·        Time to connect and make a list of places you’d like to visit or learn more about  📸 Want to share a photo?  Submit a picture using this form by 2/13/2026 to be included in the slideshow.  🍽 RSVP required so we can purchase enough food and drinks for everyone: RSVP link

Let’s Talk About… Growing Relationships    Join The Sexual Violence Prevention and Education Office and Cranwell International Center once a month as we host a lunch and discussion series that focuses on healthy relationships. February’s theme is growing relationships! Eat some food, make some crafts, and chat with new friends about relationships!   Free lunch provided. All are welcome!     When: Thursday, February 19, noon- 1:30 PM

Where: Harper Hall, Community Room 1025

Experience the Vibrant Spirit of China!  Join the Association of Chinese Students and Scholars at Virginia Tech, Dining Services, and the Cranwell International Center for an unforgettable celebration of Chinese culture!  📍 Deet’s Place (Large Side Room)  📅 Friday, February 20th, 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM  🎟 Free Admission + Exciting Giveaways!  ✨ What to Expect:  Enjoy savory and sweet Chinese dishes and an authentic beverage, all provided by Dining Services  Explore colorful cultural displays created by VT's own Association of Chinese Students and Scholars  Watch student-led presentations that bring China’s rich history and traditions to life  Test your knowledge in fun trivia games  Win prizes — including a chance to score 2 FREE tickets to a Center for the Arts performance!  This is your chance to immerse yourself in Chinese culture, connect with new people, and celebrate the beauty of cultural community right here at Virginia Tech!   Everyone is Welcome!  📧 Accessibility Accommodations:  If you are an individual with a disability and require accommodations, please contact Fawna Zwart at fa...@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days in advance

Home Beyond Home: A Student Photo Contest and Exhibit    Calling all international student photographers! Cranwell International Center is hosting the 3rd annual Home Beyond Home community-based photography exhibit and contest. Send us your photos based on what the phrase “home beyond home” means to you, where you find belonging beyond home. This is open for interpretation! What is your “home beyond home” as an international student?   Cranwell is partnering with artist and professor Michael Borowski from The School of Visual Arts to help curate the exhibit and judge the photography contest. Prizes 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and honorable mention, are various amounts of dining dollars! We will also select around 80 photos to be displayed at the YMCA’s Community Gallery Space for the Home Beyond Home Exhibit, open to the public for two weeks and celebrated with an opening night reception.   This is open to all students of all experience and levels. If your photo is part of the exhibit, Cranwell will print, frame, and display the photo. The printed, framed photo will be yours to keep after the exhibit. All photos will be printed in an 11x14 size.  Rule: The photograph must have been taken by YOU. The rights of the image cannot belong to someone else. You can submit up to 10 photos. 1 photo per submission form.   Submissions open until March 31st.   Opening night reception: April 17th , 6-8pm  Gallery Exhibit: April 17- May 1  Please fill out this FORM to enter.
CAMPUS PARTNERS
Venture Out  Spring Break Canoe Trip, March 7-14, register by February 26. Spaces limited!      VT Engage: Alternative Spring Break Trips   From the VT Engage website: Alternative break trips are designed to connect students with community members, prompting learning about community social topics, self-understanding, and commitment to future action. This year two trips are scheduled, one to work with Conserving Carolina in Hendersonville, NC and one to James River State Park in Gladstone, VA. Read more at the VT Engage website.

Upcoming Career and Professional Development Workshops  The Office of Career and Professional Development offers an incredible array of workshops to boost your career readiness. From resume writing to career fair prep, job searches in industry and the academic market, there is something for everyone. See the CPD website for more information about upcoming workshops.

Backstage Pass Inside the Performing Arts Industry, panel discussion February 10th 7:00 pm on Zoom, more info at career.vt.edu

Well-being and the Job Search Series Job searching can be stressful and isolating! This series from Career and Professional Development helps you manage stress and stay grounded while navigating a job search. Register online via Handshake, for accommodations please email Grace Wagnon at gra...@vt.edu

February 24, 5:00-6:00 pm Job Hunting & Time Management