October 26 – November 1, 2009

0. WEEKLY SERVICES IN THE GLC

  • Writing support: Mondays (4-6pm) and Wednesdays (4-7pm), Student Lounge
  • Walk-in counseling: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, 1:00-5:00pm, Videoconference Room
  • Career services walk-in advising: Wednesdays, 1:30-5:00pm, GLC Study Room

1. CHINESE THERAPEUTIC MOVEMENT
Monday, Oct 26, 12:00-1:00pm, GLC Room F           
There are many powerful tools for inviting serenity into your daily life through the exploration of movement and stillness. During this session learn head-to-toe body movements that serve to rejuvenate the connective tissue that holds our skeletal frame together, our organs in place, and provides nutrients to our cells.  The gentleness of these movements have both neurological and physiological benefits in reducing body fatigue.  Sponsored by the GLC Fellows.  Questions: contact Lindsay Moss

2. STAT SHORT COURSE: CLUSTER ANALYSIS
Tuesday, Oct 27, 5:00-7:00pm, Fralin Auditorium
Register for this short course on cluster analysis, an exploratory data analysis tool that focuses on putting objects into groups of the same kind based on measures of similarity, such as distance, defining association of objects within groups, and disassociation between objects of different groups. It can be used to discover structures in data without providing an interpretation. This course mainly focuses on reviewing those algorithms and techniques that lead to produce clusters for different real-life data types. The Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis (LISA) offers a series of short courses to help graduate students use statistics in their research through teaching practical statistical techniques for analyzing or collecting data. 

3. THE GREAT DEBATE
Tuesday, Oct 27, 7:00-9:00pm, GLC Auditorium
Sponsored by the Political Science Club, the great debate provides a forum for the College Republicans and the Young Democrats (both registered VT student organizations) to debate current issues before the upcoming election. The debate is open to the campus and local communities. Admission free.

4. GEOGRAPHIC SOCIETY MEETING
Tuesday, Oct 27, 7:00pm, Torg 1010
Tammy Parece, graduate student and president of the VT Geographic Society, invites you to the next meeting of this interest group. If you have any questions, contact Tammy.

5. PEACE CORPS INFORMATION SESSION
Wednesday, Oct 28, 6:30-7:30pm, GLC Room C
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a Peace Corps volunteer?  This Information Session will give you an overview of the experiences of volunteers in some of the 73 countries that Peace Corps serves in. Presenters will discuss a variety of projects, including Agriculture, Health and HIV Awareness, English as a Second Language, Environmental Education, Youth Development, Business, and more, and review the qualifications and process of becoming a volunteer.  There will be a video presentation and discussion, followed by a Q&A session. Brought to you by Alex Frane, graduate student and former PC volunteer.

6. TRICK OR TREAT IN THE GLC
Friday, Oct 30, 1:00-5:00pm, GLC first floor and Grad School offices
Stop by the GLC for some tricks and treats on Friday afternoon. Look for black spider webs and evil eyes to find treats. Kids are welcome! No age limit! Must wear a costume or perform a trick to qualify for treats.  Booo!

7. DIWALI NIGHT:  FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
Saturday, Oct 31, 5:00pm  in Burruss and on the Drillfield
The Indian Students Association (ISA), a grad student organization, invites you to the Festival of Lights. The biggest Indian event held on campus, Diwali is an occasion for celebration and communal harmony, showcasing the rich diversity of Indian culture, heritage and history. Catch a glimpse of India through cultural performances in Burruss Hall, followed by fireworks on the Drillfield, and dinner under the stars. 5-7:15 Cultural Performances in Burruss Auditorium; (free);  7:30 Fireworks on the Drillfield; 8:00 Dinner on the Drillfield (ticket required) [Dinner by "Copper", Charlotte]. Purchase your dinner coupon in advance. Tickets are limited and sold on a first-come-first-served basis.

8. CALL FOR SURVEY PARTICIPANTS – 1st posting
An MBA marketing class needs your opinion! The group is doing a marketing plan for a company that created a local website to advertise events in the NRV.  They need as many people as possible to complete this survey. Feel free to share this survey invitation with your friends! If you have questions, contact Josey Chacko.

9. FACEBOOK FAN PAGE ON ETHICS
Please join the Graduate School’s new Facebook fan page for ethics, where we post articles, stories, and media on ethics in scholarship, teaching, service, and life. You may also follow the ethics conversation on Twitter.

10. GRADUATE STUDENT ENGAGEMENT FOCUS GROUP
Dr. John Dooley, VP for Outreach and International Affairs, is supporting a research project to enhance community engagement opportunities and related scholarship at Virginia Tech.  As part of this effort, the research team will be holding three graduate student focus groups to ascertain the graduate student experience with community engagement.  The three dates for these focus groups are: Nov 16 (10:30-12:00), Nov 17 (10:30-12:00), and Nov 19 (2:30-4:00). If you are interested in community engagement, please consider attending one of these groups. For more information or to sign up, contact Eric Hodges.

11. SHORT COURSES IN STATISTICS
Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis (LISA) offers a series of short courses to help graduate students use statistics in their research through teaching practical statistical techniques for analyzing or collecting data.  Registration required. Refreshments will be provided at the end of each short course! All courses will be held in Fralin Auditorium from 5:00-7:00pm. Remaining courses in the Fall 2009 schedule:

  • Wednesday, Nov 4: Intro to SAS
  • Tuesday, Nov 10: How to Analyze Repeated Measures and Other Random Effects

LISA also provides free statistical collaboration and consulting by appointment. Free daily walk-in consulting service is also available from 12-2pm in 401 Hutcheson Hall. 

12. LEADERSHIP AND EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
VT Residence Life is looking for new staff members for the 2010- 2011 academic year. Resident Advisor positions are available in every residence hall and open to both graduate and undergraduate students. Staff members often comment on the high level of leadership skills they develop and their increased sense of connection to the campus community. Resident Advisors receive a room scholarship and a semi-monthly pay check. Candidates must attend an interest session in order to apply.  Visit Student Programs for more information.

13. FLU VACCINE COVERAGE THROUGH GM SOUTHWEST
Students insured through the university-approved GM Southwest plan have coverage for the seasonal flue vaccine, as well as the H1N1 vaccine. Schiffert Health Center scheduled student vaccine clinics beginning Tuesday, Oct 27. See later postings for further details. Through a special arrangement between GM-Southwest and Intravene (the vaccine provider), students who receive the flu vaccines will not incur out-of-pocket expenses. Insured students will need to present their student insurance ID card to receive this benefit. Students who receive the vaccines from any other provider must file a claim.

14. UPCOMING EVENTS:

STUDENT CONDUCT FORUM
Wednesday, Nov 4, 6:30pm in GLC Auditorium
The Office of Student Conduct is sponsoring this open forum for undergraduate, graduate, and professional students to solicit feedback regarding the Hokie Handbook, specifically the Code of Student Conduct that governs student conduct at Virginia Tech. This is your chance to voice your opinion about VT standards of conduct, judicial procedures, and other aspects of the Hokie Handbook.

DIALOGUE WITH THE DEAN

Thursday, Nov 5, 6:00-7:00pm, GLC Room C
Register online to attend the last Dialogue with the Dean for the fall semester, hosted by the GSA.  Visit with Dr. Karen DePauw and discuss issues that matter to you most!  Questions: contact Lindsay Moss

AMERICAN INDIAN HERITAGE MONTH CONNECT LUNCH
Friday, Nov 6, 11:30am-1:30pm, GLC Room F
Join the Graduate School Office of Diversity Initiatives in the university-wide celebration of American Indian Heritage Month. Have lunch, meet and greet Native American students, and visit with the Gradate School deans. This is also an opportunity for graduate students to share ideas and discuss issues relating to the American Indian community. Please RSVP online by Nov 4.  For more information, contact Jane Rorrer by phone at 231-2494 or e-mail.