March 22-28, Graduate Education Week Special Edition

1. GRADUATE EDUCATION WEEK: MARCH 19-26!

  • Participate in events: visit the GEW website for full list and details
  • Play the GEW Challenge
  • Register for Grad Olympics
  • Vote on the photo & art contest entries in the GLC (voting sheets at the Info Desk)

2. WEEKLY SERVICES IN THE GLC

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

3. TEACHING AND LEARNING WITH TECHNOLOGIES
Monday, Mar 22, 9:00-10:00am, Room B in the GLC
Test drive some state-of-the-art technology tools that can enhance both teaching and learning.

4. HOW TO GET THINGS DONE WITH TECHNOLOGY
Monday, Mar 22, 10:15-11:00am, Room B in the GLC
Learn a few simple methods to help manage information flow and boost your productivity.

5. SOCIAL NETWORKING
Monday, Mar 22, 5:30pm, Multipurpose Room in the GLC   
Through this interactive event learn why networking is important, how to do it the right way, and how to integrate social media in your networking. Brought to you by the GLC Resident Fellows.

6. ZUMBA
Tuesday, Mar 23, 12:00-1:00pm, Multipurpose Room in the GLC
Burn some calories and relax your mind with this combination of fast- and slow-rhythm fusion of Latin and international music and aerobic/fitness interval training.

7. LOUNGE AT THE LIBRARY
Tuesday, Mar 23, 1:00pm, Graduate Study Lounge, 416 Newman
Enjoy free refreshments and take in the view while chatting with fellow grads and subject expert librarians. Brought to you by University Libraries, proud co-sponsor of Graduate Education Week.

8. SHORT COURSES IN STATISTICS: INTRO TO STATISTICAL ANALYSIS
Tuesday, Mar 23, 5:00-7:00pm, Fralin Auditorium
During this session participants will: review how statistics can be used to solve research problems and answer scientific questions; learn key aspects of experimental design necessary to ensure that data can be statistically analyzed to answer research questions; learn about some common statistical techniques such as t-tests, ANOVA, regression; and plots to analyze and visualize data. LISA (Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis) is providing a series of evening short courses to help graduate students use statistics in their research.  The focus of these two-hour courses is on teaching practical statistical techniques for analyzing or collecting data.  Visit LISA’s website for instructions on how to REGISTER and to learn more.  Refreshments will be provided at the end of each short course! All courses are held in Fralin Auditorium from 5-7PM. Rest of Spring 2010 Schedule:

  • March 29, Monday, Dr. Eric Smith – Regression
  • April 6, Tuesday, Mark Seiss – General Linear Models
  • April 12, Monday, Nels Johnson and Matt Williams – Multivariate Regression
  • April 20, Tuesday, Dr. Eric Vance – Analyzing Real Data

9. AEL INDUCTION AND SPEAKER
Tuesday, Mar 23, 5:30pm, Room F in the GLC
Listen to Dr. Jim Dubinsky’s presentation on "A Leader’s Legacy," and cheer for the new inductees of Alpha Epsilon Lambda, graduate honor society.

10. GSA RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM AND EXPO
Wednesday, Mar 24, 9:00-5:00pm, All rooms in the GLC + GLC Plaza
Review the latest in graduate and advanced undergraduate research and academic pursuits.

11. GSA SYMPOSIUM KEYNOTE ADDRESS
Wednesday, Mar 24, 7:00-8:00pm, GLC Auditorium
Nobel Laureate Dr. Andrew Weaver, lead author in the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, will offer the keynote address.

12. REMOVING THE MYSTERY OF THE ETD REVIEW
Wednesday, Mar 24, 7:00-8:00pm, Room F in the GLC
Learn what happens to your ETD after you submit it to the Graduate School: timeline, corrections, and final approval.

13. GRAD MOVIE NIGHT AT THE LYRIC: Shutter Island
Thursday, Mar 25, 7:00 and 9:00pm, The Lyric
Enjoy a night at the movies, compliments of the Graduate School and The Lyric. Get your free ticket (while supplies last) at the GLC Information Desk or in Grad Student Services.

14. GRADUATE OLYMPICS 2010 – REGISTER NOW!
Friday, Mar 26, 3:00-4:30pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
Put your wit, physical skills and team spirit to the test in a light-hearted competition among graduate student teams.  Up to ten teams of 4-6 members may compete for great prizes ($50+ gift certificates to local restaurants) on March 26 before the Big Cook Out. No prior experience necessary, but resourcefulness and knowledge of the GLC are a plus. All materials are provided. Teams will receive extra points for a creative team name, flag design and team cheer. All teams must pre-register. You will be notified when your registration is accepted. Registration:

15. BIG COOK OUT
Friday, Mar 26, 4:30-6:30pm, GLC and GLC Lawn
Enjoy free food, music, good company, a caricaturist, and indoor/outdoor games in this family-friendly closing event of Grad Ed Week. The theme is black and white!

16. CELEBRATE INDIAN SPRING FESTIVAL, HOLI
Friday, Mar 26, 6:30pm, Cranwell International Center
The Indian Student Association, a graduate student organization, invites you to a viewing of the mother-of-all Bollywood movies, Sholay. Released in 1975, this movie is the highest grossing film of all time in Indian cinema and ran for a record 286 weeks. The story of a small town terrorized by the baddest of all villains, Gabbar Singh, who meets his match in two criminals-turned-heroes, Jai and Veeru. Screened as a part of the celebrations for the festival of colors, Holi. Popcorn and drinks provided.

17. SPLASH SOME COLOR AT HOLI
Saturday, Mar 27, 11:00am, Amphitheater near Duckpond
The Indian Student Association (ISA) invites you to an outdoor party like no other: splash some red, green, blue and yellow while dancing to Indian grooves, and join ISA in celebrating Holi, the festival of colors! Event is free and open to all. Finger-licking snacks will be provided at nominal costs.

18. BECOME A FAN OF THE GRADUATE SCHOOL ON FACEBOOK
Our Facebook fan page is new, in honor of our tenth annual Graduate Education Week. Look for “Virginia Tech Graduate School.”

19. GA POSITION OPEN IN INSTITUTIONAL RESEARCH & EFFECTIVENESS
VT’s IRE is looking for a Graduate Assistant for the 2010-11 academic year to assist with the conversion of some static web-site activity to dynamic, user-driven, SQL-Server apps. Required skills include SQL Server, with ideally at least an awareness of SQL Server Reporting Services. Additionally some experience with ASP.NET, using C or VB.NET would be great. Preferred skills include HTML, IIS, a fun personality, dependability, and good communication skills. Interested grad students can send their information to Dennis Catley, by April 2, 2010. Summer 2011 hours may also be available.

20. CALL FOR GSA PROGRAM CHAIR APPLICATIONS
Are you looking to serve the graduate student community and gain valuable leadership experience? If yes, then consider applying for a GSA Program Chair position! Applications are accepted for the following positions: Website Director, Research Symposium Chair, Graduate and Professional School Day Chair, Graduate Research and Development Program Chair, Travel Fund Program Chair, GSA Events Chair, and GSA Historian.  Please view the GSA website for a full description of each position.  The deadline for applications (letter of interest, resume/CV, and 2010-2011 goals) is Friday, Mar 26. Interviews will be conducted in early April.  Please direct any questions to Amanda Cronin Rumore.

21. GSA EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT 0.5 GA POSITION OPEN
Consider applying for a GSA Executive Assistant Position for the 2010-2011 academic year. The GSA Executive Assistant works with members of the executive board and program chairs to ensure the success of GSA programs and events.  The office assistant position is a 10-hour assistantship for the full academic year. The deadline for applications (resume and cover letter) is Monday, Mar 30. Please direct all questions and applications to Michelle McLeese.

22. iPHONE STUDY PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT – 1st posting
Participants sought for a study on mobile information in everyday human activity to explore how iPhone users look up and capture information with their device in their everyday activities. The study consists of three parts, including a short questionnaire, a diary study, and a follow-up interview. Two $25 gift cards will be raffled off among active participants in the diary study, those who participate in the follow-up interview get a $10 gift card. Must be at least 18 years old, own and use an iPhone for at least 6 months, and have an unlimited data plan from your wireless provider. Please contact Ricardo for more details.

23. STUDY PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT TO EVALUATE LEARNING ASSESSMENT TOOL – 1st posting
Doctoral student in the VT School of Education is looking for graduate students to evaluate a learning assessment tool developed as part of a dissertation research. The evaluation is one-on-one, conducted in the Educational Technology Lab in 220 War Memorial Hall. The entire process can be completed in about 1.5 hours. If you are interested or have questions, please email to Jianhua Liu.

24. GRAD STUDENTS SOUGHT FOR LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
The Department of Student Activities is seeking graduate students to serve as small group facilitators for an undergraduate leadership development program, Leadership Tech. Facilitators will work in teams of two or three to guide a group of 10-15 junior and/or senior students organized around one of the following issues: Environmental Sustainability, Community Vitality, Social Justice, Global Issues, Multiculturalism, and Health and Wellness. Positions open until filled. Submit your resume to Allison Dunn, and complete the application. An interview will be scheduled for those who meet minimum qualifications. Questions: contact Allison Dunn.

25. PHI BETA DELTA ANNUAL ESSAY CONTEST
The Gamma Omega chapter of the Phi Beta Delta International Honor Society invites members of the Virginia Tech community to participate in our annual essay contest. All Virginia Tech faculty, staff, and student members are eligible to enter the contest based on the topic: ‘What does it mean to be a Global Hokie?’ $200, $100, $50 cash prizes will be awarded to winners first through third, respectively. 500 word limit. Please submit hardcopy to Betty Watts by 5:00pm Monday, March 29.

26. NUTRITION COUNSELING AVAILABLE NOW
Want to work on some nutrition and health goals this spring?  Senior nutrition students in the VT Department of Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise are here to help.  Sign up for a one-on-one session to assess your current nutrition habits and help you set goals for improvement. All information will be kept confidential. This service is available both Spring and Fall (except during breaks) and is free.  For more information and to locate the online registration, visit HNFE and click on Nutrition Counseling.

27. INVITATION TO PARTICIPATE IN HOKIE STONE EVENT
April 16, 2010 will mark the first “Hokie Stone: An Event of Student-Shared Knowledge,” the beginning of a new university tradition to honor those lost three years ago.  This live event, held in Squires Colonial from 11:00am to 4:00pm, will also have streaming video to bring together Hokies from all around the world in our shared remembrance. Participants will be highlighting a core value that each individual held with utmost significance: the undeniable passion to learn and share knowledge to better the world. Your opportunity is now to show how you are committed to service and/ or learning at Virginia Tech. Organizers are now accepting proposals to find charismatic, dramatic and thought-provoking student presenters to give the talk of their lives. Submit a proposal or recommend a speaker here. Proposal submissions are due by April 2, 2010.

28. UPCOMING EVENTS:

JEWISH AWARENESS MONTH LUNCH
Wednesday, Mar 31, 12:00-1:30pm, GLC Room F

Join the Graduate School’s Office of Recruitment and Diversity Initiatives in the university-wide celebration of Jewish American Heritage Month.  Have lunch and meet and greet fellow Jewish graduate students and faculty as well as the Graduate School deans.  This is also an opportunity to share ideas and discuss issues related to the Jewish community at Virginia Tech.  Please register here.
Questions?  Contact Jane Rorrer, Coordinator of Recruitment and Diversity Initiatives, 231-2494.

CPR TRAINING
Friday, Apr 9, 1:00-5:00pm, GLC Room G
According to the American Heart Association, about 80% of cardiac arrests occur in private residential settings, so being trained to perform CPR can mean the difference between life and death for a loved one. Knowing CPR is an invaluable skill and the GLC Resident Fellows bring a CPR class to the GLC. Training is limited to the first ten registrants. To register for the CPR training, please complete this survey. If you have any questions, contact GLC Fellow Josey Chacko.