April 12-18

1. 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

2. SHORT COURSES IN STATISTICS: MULTIVARIATE METHODS
Monday, Apr 12, 5:00-7:00pm, Fralin Auditorium
This mini course focuses on common multivariate methods such as principal component analysis, factor analysis, Hotelling’s T2, etc. Each method will be introduced by identifying problems where it could be used, what kinds of assumptions are made, what kinds of interpretations they lead to, and some pros and cons of the method. A basic level of understanding of both statistics and matrix algebra will be very helpful to those in attendance. LISA (Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis) provides this 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.  Register and 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:

  • April 20, Tuesday, Dr. Eric Vance – Analyzing Real Data


3. CONNECTIONS: A COMMUNITY ARTS PROJECT

Tuesday-Friday, Apr 13-16, GLC Multipurpose Room
The Connections project is an exciting opportunity for local creative professionals and VT students and professors to demonstrate their commitment to one another through art. As a cornerstone for Ut Prosim month, this forum will unveil and display numerous projects in the GLC Multipurpose Room. Additionally, many VT graduate students will be presenting their research interests and/or projects in an effort to promote their commitment to citizen scholar engagement in the community. For more information, contact project leader Deepu George.

4. GLOBAL DIALOGUE/CONNECTIONS ART PROJECT
Wednesday, Apr 14, 6:00pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
Graduate Dean Karen DePauw hosts this reception and program for graduate students, featuring “Connections: A Community Art Project,” and an opportunity to meet and engage with international visitors through the Global Dialogue project. Visit this website for a complete listing of Global Dialogue programs. 

5. HOKIES HONORING HAITI
Thursday, Apr 15, various times and locations
Four months ago the Republic of Haiti was impacted by a 7.0 earthquake that caused widespread destruction and death. From the onset, the VT community came together to provide support and assistance to the Haitian people. All events are free (unless otherwise noted) and open to the public. Review the full listing of events and details.

6. A TRIBUTE TO HAITI & UT PROSIM
Thursday, Apr 15, 7:00pm, Burruss Hall
Hear an update from Haiti’s Ambassador to the US, Raymond Joseph, about Haiti’s earthquake recover and learn about ongoing VT service projects in Haiti. Celebrate Ut Prosim with string performances, signing, and a steel drum orchestra. This event is coordinated by the Center for Student Engagement and Community Partnerships and several graduate students. Contact Dr. Jim Dubinsky for more information.

REMEMBER: NO CLASSES ON FRIDAY, APR 16

7. HOKIE STONE
Friday, Apr 16, 11:00am–3:00pm, Squires Colonial Hall
The Day of Remembrance offers the first Hokie Stone: An Event of Student-Shared Knowledge, a showcase of presentations from VT students. Live streaming video of the event will bring together Hokies from all around the world in an effort to respectfully remember and honor those lost. Hokie Stone is based on TED and focuses on three central themes “Invent, Change, and Sustain.”   Presentations include education, entrepreneurship, a dance performance, poetry reading, sustainability in food production, and many others. More information.  Support the beginning of a new tradition by attending.

8. MOVIE NIGHT IN THE GLC: UP
Friday, Apr 16, 7:30-9:00pm, GLC Student Lounge
The GLC Fellows will be showing UP, a heartwarming animated movie. Join your fellow graduate students to watch this movie and relax at the end of a long week. If you are interested in attending, please fill out this survey to help organizers plan for popcorn and lemonade. If you have any questions, contact Josey Chacko.

9. BOB DUNCAN 5K RUN/WALK
Saturday, Apr 17, 11:00am, VT Cross Country Course
Registration: $20 before Apr 3. Join veterinary students and support the Vet School and the Diagnostic Pathology Scholarship.  Entry fee includes t-shirt, race support, finish-line food, music, and great door prizes.  Visit  the event site for more information or contact Ellen Binder  with questions

10. THE BIG EVENT

Saturday, Apr 17, 11:00am-3:00pm
Want to get together with your fellow graduate students and other Hokies to help out the Blacksburg community? The Big Event is back! If you are interested in being part of the Graduate Students Team, please register online. You can create an account and then click to volunteer with the GSA Team. Please contact Jenna Rae Vercillo, GSA Events Chair, for detailed directions about registration!

11. NEED INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR HONORS/AWARDS/SCHOLARSHIPS for 2009-10
Every year since 2004-05 the Graduate School has published Graduate Students of Distinction,  an online document listing awards, honors, fellowships and scholarships received by graduate students. Please let us know of any honors, awards, etc. that you have received since April 2009 by completing a quick, simple survey  by April 15.

12. PART-TME JOB OPPORTUNITY FOR RETURNED PEACE CORPS VOLUNTEER
The VT Office of International Research, Education, and Development (OIRED) is searching for a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer (RPCV) to serve as a part-time (20 hours/wk) Campus Peace Corps Recruiter. Successful candidate will serve as the main university and SW Virginia point of contact for students and others interested in joining the Peace Corps.  Subject to the availability of funding, the position will begin fall semester 2010 and run through spring 2011.  Interested persons should send a letter of application, a current resume, and names/addresses of three references to Alex Frane, phone 231-4266.  Application deadline: Apr 30, 2010 or until filled.  The successful candidate will be notified as soon as possible after selection.  For further information, see OIRED website.

13. SUMMER JOB OPPORTUNITY
University Studies is seeking orientation assistants to work with academic advisors Jul 7-23. Approximately 1500 new students and their families will participate in Summer Orientation in July. Orientation assistants help with check-in process at the Math Emporium, direct flow of traffic and answer parent questions, support advisors, help students w/ Hokie SPA and timetable, and other support as needed. Must be able to work 7:45am-12:00pm Tue-Fri and on other days and times for training, must have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and be able to lift up to 15 lbs. Send resume and cover letter to Jennie Kelly by Apr 19, 117 Femoyer Hall.

14. PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE JOURNAL EDITORIAL BOARD CALL FOR APPLICATIONS
Are you looking for an opportunity to serve the graduate student community in a scholarly fashion and build experience working with a peer-reviewed scholarly journal? If yes, consider applying for a position on the Editorial Board of the interdisciplinary student journal Public Knowledge Journal (ISSN 1948-3511).  Contact the current Editor-in-Chief to learn more about the available positions, or read about each position on the editor recruitment page. The deadline for applications (statement of interest, CV, and contact information) is April 15, 2010.  Please contact Kim Carlson with questions or concerns.

15. CITIZEN SCHOLAR APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED NOW

Have you used your research to benefit society in any way?  If so, consider applying for the Citizen Scholar award. Applications are due April 22; review program requirements on the CSE website. For more information, email Eric Hodges.

16. CONVERSATION PARTNERS SOUGHT FOR HUMPHREY FELLOWS

The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Long Term English Training Program is a signature initiative of the VT Language and Culture Institute (LCI). LCI is looking for 20 conversation partners who are asked to volunteer one hour per week to speak with one of the Humphrey fellows. All of the fellows are visiting international mid-career professionals.  The conversation times and locations would be arranged between individual partners and fellows, and the topics of conversation would be informal. This is an opportunity for friendship and sharing information about personal experience, interests, hobbies, and the local community. If interested in becoming a conversation partner, please contact Letitia Montgomery-Rodgers. Conversation partners will be paired by the third week of April and have a meet and greet event. The program runs from April through mid August. The Fellowship is a Fulbright exchange activity, administered by the Institute of International Education.  More information on the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program is available here.

17. VETERANS SOUGHT FOR VT STUDY – 1st posting
Military veterans are needed for a study relating to experiences and needs of military veterans at Virginia Tech. An interdisciplinary team of faculty, administrators, and graduate students will conduct this research. Graduate students who are military veterans are invited to participate in interviews no more than an hour long in order to gather information on veterans pursuing graduate education at Virginia Tech.  Feel free to share this posting with friends who are military veterans and are pursuing graduate degrees at Virginia Tech.  If you are interested in participating in this study or would like more information, please contact Carson Byrd.

18. NEED PARTICIPANTS FOR STROLLER SURVEY – 2nd posting
Data is needed from stroller users to apply to a new design as part of a VT research project. The estimated time to complete this survey is approximately ten minutes. There is no risk to survey participants. The survey is anonymous and the questions are created to simply gain stroller-user feedback. Participation in this research is completely voluntary. Complete the survey.

19. PARTICIPANTS WANTED FOR FOOD CHOICE STUDY – 2nd posting
Parents and their children (ages 9 – 15) are sought to participate in hour-long interviews about their food choices.  Families will be compensated $100. Contact kdanilos@vt.edu for more information.

20. RESEARCH SUBJECTS NEEDED FOR BIOMECHANICS STUDY – 3rd posting
Research subjects are needed for a study to investigate various aspects of balance in the Kevin P. Granata Biomechanics Lab.  Subjects must be aged 18-28, and will be paid $10/hour for their participation. If you are interested, please email Sara Matrangola and include the following information in the body of the email: name, age, gender, height, weight.

21. GRADUATE STUDENT WAITLIST FOR 2010-11 HOUSING AVAILABLE NOW – 3rd posting
Graduate students interested in living on-campus in either the Graduate Life Center or in Main Campbell Hall will need to sign up on the waitlist online in order to be considered for housing. Room and board rates for next year are not yet available, but they will be posted as soon as possible.  Offers to eligible students will be sent every 2-3 weeks via email until all of the beds are filled.

22. CALL FOR PROPOSALS – 3rd posting
The VT Center for Peace Studies and Violence Prevention is accepting proposals for the first ACCIAC Student Research Symposium, Cultivating Peace: A Symposium for Violence Prevention, to take place on Nov 12–14, 2010, on campus in conjunction with VT’s International Summit on Transdisciplinary Approaches to Violence Prevention.  Proposals may include both individual and collaborative work from diverse fields and in a range of presentation formats, such as papers, oral or poster presentations, and multi-media projects.  Topics of particular interest include: campus violence prevention and university community partnerships, violence prevention in socioeconomic and cultural context, sustainable development and peace, social media and violence, and creatively fostering nonviolence: peace, the arts, and literature.  Individuals and teams should submit one-page proposals for review by April 30, 2010.  Please contact Dr. Marc Lucht with any questions.

23. UPCOMING EVENTS:

DIALOGUE WITH THE DEAN

Tuesday, Apr 20, 5:30-6:45pm, Room G in the GLC
The Graduate Student Assembly will host the last “Dialogue with the Dean” this semester to let you ask the Dean of the Graduate School your most pressing questions. There will be free pizza and drinks too! Please register online. If you have further questions, please contact GSA Events Chair Jenna Rae Vercillo.

“WHAT EDITORS REALLY WANT” WORKSHOP
Wednesday, Apr 21, 9:00am-4:00pm, Fralin Auditorium
This workshop is offered to faculty, researchers, postdocs, and graduate students to teach them how to select the right journal for their papers, how to manage citations, how to respond to reviewers’ comments, do’s and don’ts of manuscript submission, writing a cover letter and more. Register by April 16 by contacting Dr. Janet Webster, 231-9547.

GLC FELLOWS HIKE
Saturday, Apr 24, meet at 10:30am in GLC Lobby
Join fellow graduate students for a springtime hike to the Cascades! Meet in the GLC lobby area and depart at approximately 10:45 a.m. The Cascades is a moderate hike that culminates in a beautiful setting with a roughly 70-foot tall waterfall. The total distance from the parking lot and back again is 4.0 miles. The Cascades is located just outside of Pembroke, VA and is only about 20 miles away from Blacksburg. There is a $3 parking pass at the trail entrance but there are no other costs associated with the trip. If you are interested in participating, contact GLC Fellow Michael Sage.

LUNCH WITH THE PRESIDENT – Sign up now
Friday, Apr 30, 12:00-1:30pm, The Inn at Virginia Tech
The Grad Rep to the BOV invites you to chat with President Steger, Provost McNamee, and Dean DePauw. Lunch will be provided. All graduate students are invited to attend. Sign up by April 23.  Questions? Contact Rebecca French, Grad Rep to VT BOV.

GSA CASINO NIGHT
Friday, Apr 30, 7:00-10:00pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
Celebrate the end of the semester in style at the GSA Casino Night.  Come dressed in your formal attire and rack up the wins on a variety of Casino games (poker, craps, blackjack, roulette, etc.) hosted by professional dealers.  Entry tickets can be purchased for $10 with just an additional $5 for games.  Purchase tickets online. Celebrate with amazing h’orderves, wine, beer, a DJ, dancing, and raffle tickets for prize drawings!  Questions: Lindsay Moss. 

DOG WALK

Saturday, May 1, 2:00pm, meet in GLC Lobby and Otey Street entrance
Grab your four-legged friend and join fellow grads and families to enjoy the spring weather on the Huckleberry Trail. Meet inside (if w/o dog) or outside at the Otey Street entrance to depart together for the trail.  Plastic bags and treats will be provided! Questions: Lindsay Moss.

GLSIZZLE (BBQ)
Sunday, May 2, 2:00pm, Duck Pond
You don’t have to live in the hizzle to attend this GLSizzle! Enjoy the sunshine, outdoor games, sweet music and a pot-luck style BBQ.  All graduate students, family and friends are welcome.  The GLC Fellows will provide charcoal, all utensils and drinks, but organizers are relying on you to contribute a dish! Please help estimate attendance by filling out this survey. Questions: Lindsay Moss.