Information for Graduate Students

The Office of Sexual Violence Prevention and Education (SVPE) is committed to empowering graduate and professional students to address gender-based violence by working in partnership with members of the Virginia Tech community. We seek to meet the varied needs of graduate and professional students on all Virginia Tech campuses.  

Utilizing a public health approach, our prevention-based framework builds upon the prevention education that undergraduate students receive while reflecting the nuanced nature of gender-based violence (GBV) affecting graduate and professional students. Our approach focuses on:

• Teaching useful skills around developing healthy relationships, building and maintaining boundaries, and supporting people who have experienced harm.
• Creating safer academic, social, and professional environments.
• Strengthening relationships across the VT community. 

Programming for Graduate and Professional Students

Graduate school looks different for everyone. Our programming recognizes the many roles graduate students hold and the different needs, experiences, and perspectives they bring to our community. Through professional staff programs and peer educator-led programming, we offer opportunities to connect, learn, grow, and build community with other graduate students.

Examples of programming led by professional staff:

• The Power of No
• Dating in American Culture
• Developing Resilience
• Navigating Conflict

Programming led by peer educators:

• Maximizing Mentoring Relationships
• Boundary Builders
• Understanding Gender-based Violence
• Bystander Intervention

Not seeing the topic or area that you are wanting programming for? SVPE is happy to work with you to develop custom programs. Fill out the workshop request form and a member of our team will be in contact with you.

Graduate Student Toolkits 

SVPE is developing a series of toolkits aimed at providing support and education for graduate and professional students. These toolkits were designed to recognize the many different roles graduate students play on and off campus such as friend, student, researcher, and employee, and equip students with the knowledge and resources they need to foster a safe and supportive campus community.

Hokies Creating Change Toolkit 

• This toolkit is intended to empower graduate and professional students with the tools necessary for preventing GBV. 
• It explores the many roles students hold and highlights the unique opportunities each role presents to help create a safer, more respectful Hokie community.

Check back as we continue to develop and expand resources for graduate and professional students. If you would like to offer a suggestion for future toolkits, please email svpe@vt.edu.