April 19-25

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. LEARNING LOCAL FOOD ON CAMPUS
Tuesday, Apr 20, 10:00am-2:00pm, GLC Plaza
Stop by for an on campus showcase of baked goods, produce, crafts, bluegrass music, and more. Learn about the delicious and healthy local foods the farmers market has to offer to the campus and local communities. Brought to you by Earth Sustainability, Friends of the Farmers Market, the Division of Student Affairs and the Graduate School.
 

3. SHORT COURSES IN STATISTICS: ANALYZING REAL DATA
Tuesday, Apr 20, 5:00-7:00pm, Fralin Auditorium
This mini course focuses on analyzing real datasets submitted by the short course attendees. While working through specific examples, general themes and techniques of statistical analysis will be highlighted and discussed. It is anticipated that three datasets will be analyzed using statistical tools highlighted in the previous LISA Short Courses, though attending prior short courses is not required. Datasets will be selected based on appeal to a general audience and serving as good examples for common statistical techniques that the attendees can use on other datasets. If you think your data might be interesting, please email Dr. Vance. See the LISA website for instructions on how to register and to learn more. Refreshments will be provided at the end of this course!

4. DIALOGUE WITH THE DEAN
Tuesday, Apr 20, 12:00-1:15pm, Room B 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 Jenna Rae Vercillo, GSA Events Chair, at Vercillo@vt.edu.

 
5. GAIN TEACHING EXPERIENCE AT VIRGINIA’S COMMUNITY COLLEGES
Wednesday, Apr 21, 11:00am-1:00pm, GLC Room G
If you are a current grad student (restrictions apply to intl students) interested in teaching, join representatives from New River and Virginia Western Community Colleges for an info session on the Chancellor’s Graduate Student Fellowship program. This program gives graduate students the opportunity to gain collegiate teaching experience while still in graduate school. Students teach a course at a community college campus and receive mentorship and support from a full-time VCCS faculty member and get paid at the adjunct faculty rate. Please register to attend at this survey. For more information contact Jane Rorrer, 231-2494, or visit the VCCS website. 
 

6. 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, complete this survey. Questions? Contact GLC Fellow Michael Sage.

7. ROCK CLIMBING WITH THE OUTDOORS CLUB
Sunday, Apr 25
Grad student and Outdoors Club member Ben Freedman invites fellow grad students to join a trip with Via-Ferrata in the Nelson Rock Preserve in WV for a group of about 20 people to do some rock climbing for an afternoon. This guided trip is great for beginners interested doing basic climbing as well as the more experienced climbers looking for a thrill. Harnesses, clips, helmets and gear are all supplied by Via Ferrata. After a few minutes of instruction and equipment rental, participants will be up on the cliff for about 3-4 hours. There are 8 spots left. Deadline is approaching ASAP. The cost of the trip is $53 per person, with a non-refundable $20 deposit due immediately to reserve a spot. Preference will be given to OCVT members. Please contact Ben Freedman (bfreed05@vt.edu) for more info or to reserve a spot.

8. VOLUNTEER USHERS SOUGHT FOR COMMENCEMENT
Volunteer ushers are sought for the Spring 2010 University Commencement ceremony on Friday, May 14 in Lane Stadium. Time commitment: 5:00–9:00pm. Ushers need to be at the stadium by 5:00pm to help families that start arriving two hours before the ceremony. Ushers greet guests in attendance (families and friends of the graduates); hand out commencement programs; direct visiting families where to sit, where to find restrooms, etc.; direct families as they arrive or leave the stadium. Special assignments may include working with impaired mobility guests, which requires more walk than other assignments. If you are interested in this assignment, please indicate this preference when you sign up. There will be several training sessions for ushers during the week of commencement. The training is about 45 minute long and will walk you through the stadium, explain the assignment and familiarize ushers with the stadium layout. Schedule: May 11, 12, and 13, 3:00-4:00pm. All volunteers must attend one of these sessions. To sign up, contact Christina McIntyre, cmcintyre@vt.edu.

9. 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 , 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 the OIRED website.

10. 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, and program requirements can be found here. For more information, email Eric Hodges.

11. VETERANS SOUGHT FOR VT STUDY – 2nd 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.

12. NEED PARTICIPANTS FOR STROLLER SURVEY – 3rd 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 here.

13. PARTICIPANTS WANTED FOR FOOD CHOICE STUDY – 3rd 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 ahamby@vt.edu or kdanilos@vt.edu for more information.

14. UPCOMING EVENTS:

INTERVIEWING BEYOND ACADEME SEMINAR
Monday, Apr 26, 3:00pm, Squires 341/345
Dr. Wendy Perry, Director of Graduate and Postdoctoral Professional Programs at the University of Virginia, will give a seminar on interviewing outside of academia. Dr. Perry will address some challenges PhDs face in interviews, typical interview questions, and how to get the most out of your interview. Please contact Meredith Katz with any questions.

CAMPUS SAFETY
Wednesday, Apr 28, 7:00pm, GLC Auditorium
Officer Allen from the VTPD will speak about different safety rules and tips to increase general awareness, which is a key factor in improving safety on campus. All members of the community are invited and encouraged to attend.

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 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! Sponsored by the Fellows. 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. If you have questions, contact Lindsay Moss.