Month: August 2010

1. WEEKLY SERVICES IN THE GLC

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

 2. COFFEE AND CONVERSATION
Monday, Aug 30, 5:00-6:00pm, GLC Student Lounge
Though primarily targeted to new graduate students, this event provides an opportunity for all graduate students to gather and enjoy some refreshments and good conversation and get their questions answered by Graduate School staff and student leaders.

3. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH & SAFETY POLICIES AT VT
Tuesday, Aug 31, 12:00-1:00pm, GLC Room B
Learn more about the university’s policies and expectations on environmental, health and safety compliance, and the technical support that is available to you to meet these requirements.

4. RESPONDING TO STUDENT DISCLOSURE OF RELATIONSHIP VIOLENCE AND STALKING
Tuesday, Aug 31, 5:00-6:00pm, GLC Room F
This workshop gives GTAs and other graduate students who work with other students the information needed to appropriately respond to student disclosures of sexual assault, relationship violence and stalking. Offered by the VT Women’s Center.

5. 30-MIN CHRISTIAN WORSHIP: LUNCHTIME AT THE CHAPEL – 2nd posting
Wednesdays, 12:10-12:40 pm, War Memorial Chapel
Graduate students are invited to join together for half an hour of Christian worship, including singing, prayer, and a brief Bible message, at 12:10 pm on Wednesdays at War Memorial Chapel.  University employees are also welcome to come.  "Take a break  in the middle of the week to worship God and meet other Christian graduate students."  Sponsored by registered graduate student organization R. P. Missions.

6. START SMART: INT’L GRADUATE STUDENT LUNCH DISCUSSION ON U.S. CLASSROOM CULTURE
Wednesday, Sep 1, 12:00-1:00pm, GLC Room C
This event is part of a six-week informal lunch series designed to introduce international students to people and issues that will make transitioning to Virginia Tech and the U.S. a little easier. Hosted by Cranwell International Center and Global Ambassadors. Bring your own lunch!

7. HOKIES4HIRE & ON-CAMPUS INTERVIEWING
Wednesday, Sep 1, 5:30-6:30pm, GLC Room F
Hundreds of employers visit campus each year or search the resume database to recruit students for FT or PT jobs, coops and internships. Learn how to use the Hokies4Hire system in your job search. Review the schedule for additional career related seminars for the semester.

8. COFFEE AND CONVERSATION
Thursday, Sep 2, 5:00-6:00pm, GLC Student Lounge
Though primarily targeted to new graduate students, this event provides an opportunity for all graduate students to gather and enjoy some refreshments and good conversation and get their questions answered by Graduate School staff and student leaders.

9. DROP-IN EVENING CHILDCARE
Thursdays, starting Sep 2, 6:00-8:30pm, VT Women’s Ctr, 206 Washington St.
Drop-in evening childcare is available for the children (aged 2-12, toilet trained) of any VT students. Crafts, toys, games, new friends, fun – and a snack. No need to pre-register. For additional information contact Jessie Meltsner.

10. GSA WELCOME BACK HAPPY HOUR
Friday, Sep 3, 5:00-7:00pm, GLC Lounge
The GSA will host its annual Welcome Back Happy Hour: $5.00 per person (cash) at the door for 2 beers and snacks ($2 for snacks only). All graduate students, post-docs, and faculty members are invited to come and enjoy a great start to the semester! Must be 21 or over to attend; valid I.D. required for entry. Please direct any questions to Amanda Cronin Rumore.

11. APPALACHIA FIELD TRIP
Saturday, Sep 25, 9:00am-4:30pm, leave from Squires/GLC parking lot
The field trip includes a short hike to Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory, a visit to Hallow Hill Buffalo Farm, lunch at the Swinging Bridge Café in Paint Bank, VA and visits to an old caboose, a grist mill, a country store, and a fish hatchery. The cost is $27 that includes bus transportation and all tours. Lunch additional (plan to spend $10-15; limited vegetarian options). Register here.

12. GRA OPENING: WEB APPLICATION DEVELOPER
The VT eCorridors program and the Center for Geospatial Information Technology seek a Graduate Research Assistant for a 20 hr/wk appointment to develop, enhance and maintain multiple database-driven, dynamic websites associated with the Commonwealth of Virginia’s statewide broadband mapping initiative funded by the National Telecommunications and Information Association (NTIA); develop web forms; integrate sites with backend databases; update sites and load bulk data and more. Ideal candidate will have proficiency in PHP, MySQL or other relational databases, JavaScript, HTML/CSS, and a general understanding of web design principles. An academic research interest in telecommunications and/or the applications of same in urban and regional planning or economic development would be beneficial. Interested students, or their faculty advisors, should contact Jean Plymale at the eCorridors program, 540.231.2270. Open until filled.

13. GRAD SCHOOL PLANNERS STILL AVAILABLE
Graduate School Handbook and Planners are still available in the GLC, while supplies last. Pick up your free copy in the Information and Registration area (120 GLC) or in the Reading Room. We’ve heard your comments and extended the planners by a week and updated some other features as well to make it more user-friendly. These free planners are brought to you by the Graduate School.

14. NEW GRADUATE ASSISTANTS – WIN A $250 GIFT CERTIFICATE!
New graduate assistants starting in the 2010 Fall semester: Would you like to help a fellow VT student with her research while getting a chance to win a $250 gift certificate? If so, please take a short survey from the Department of Management. With this study researchers hope to better understand the socialization process that new graduate assistants experience as they start their assignments. Only you can help with this! Access the survey. If you have any questions, please contact Gretchen Schaupp.

15. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR DISTANCE DETECTION STUDY-1st posting
An ISE graduate student seeks participants for a two-part experiment: (1)the participant’s hearing level and condition is checked in the Auditory Systems Lab in Whittemore, taking about 30 minutes; (2) part two conducted in an open field at Bissett Park in Radford city (transportation available): the participant will be instructed to estimate the distance at which a backup alarm signal will be detectable and it will take around 2 hours to complete this part. Participants will be compensated $8/h. If you are interested please contact Khaled Alali by email or 540-257-3199.

16. HNFE RESEARCH STUDY SEEKS PARTICIPANTS FOR EVALUATION OF BRIEF DIETARY QUESTIONNAIRE
Researchers in Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise are conducting a study to determine the sensitivity to change of a brief dietary intake questionnaire. You may be eligible to participate if you are 21 or older, and are in good health. The study involves 14 weekly visits to the Virginia Tech Campus. Each visit will be less than 30 minutes (excluding the initial visit which will last about 1 hour). Participants will be compensated a total of $45. For more information, please contact Valisa in the Laboratory for Eating Behaviors and Weight Management at 231-7983 or  by email.

17. ELIGIBILITY FOR IN-STATE CLASSIFICATION
Please review your student status in HokieSPA and your e-bill from the Bursar’s Office (Student Accounts) to determine if you are properly classified as an in-state or out-of-state student. If you believe that you are eligible for in-state classification for tuition purposes and are not listed as an in-state student, please review our policies and procedures to learn more and apply for in-state classification if you qualify.

18. STATISTICAL COLLABORATION SERVICES
The Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis (LISA) provides VT faculty, staff, and student researchers with quality statistical support for free. The statistical collaborators of LISA are trained to help design experiments, analyze and plot data, run statistical software, interpret results, and communicate statistical concepts in ways non-statisticians understand.  Learn more about LISA and its services for graduate students.

19. GSA EVENTS ON GOOGLE CALENDAR AND FACEBOOK
The GSA is excited to bring you a semester full of fun! Please visit the Google Calendar on the GSA Website for dates of upcoming events, including trips, Welcome Back Happy Hour, Dialogue with the Dean and the Fall Wine Social! You can also join the GSA Facebook group page (search: VT Graduate Student Assembly) to get up-to-date info for events. Details of each event will be sent out in the weekly GSA and Graduate School announcements and posted to the Facebook page. Please direct any questions to the VP of Programs, Amanda Cronin Rumore.

20. GRADUATE SCHOOL FEATURED GRADUATE STUDENT
Nominate yourself, a friend, or fellow graduate student to be recognized on the Graduate School website as a Featured Graduate Student! This program is designed to showcase the diversity of perspectives graduate students bring to our community and to present a more personal side of graduate student life. View the Graduate School‘s current Featured Graduate Student and nominate a graduate student  or yourself here.

21. INVITATION TO PHI BETA DELTA HONOR SOCIETY
Graduate students are invited to apply to become a member of Phi Beta Delta, the first honor society dedicated to recognizing scholarly achievement in international education. Phi Beta Delta’s goals are: * to recognize the scholarly achievement of international students and scholars, U.S. students who have studied abroad; * to advance the development of academic-based international programming; * to provide a network on each campus for faculty, staff, and international students involved in international endeavors; and * to extend the network of members in chapters worldwide. More information.  Applications can be downloaded from the website or obtained by emailing Betty Watts.  Application deadline: Sep 7, 2010. 

22. UPCOMING EVENTS:

GSA VT-BOISE STATE GAME SOCIAL
Monday, Sep. 6,  7:30pm, GLC Student Lounge
Didn’t get tickets the Boise State game? Join the GSA and your fellow graduate students in the GLC to watch your VT Hokies take on the Boise State Broncos in the opening game of the 2010 season. Light refreshments and snacks will be supplied, as well as some traditional tailgating games of cornhole and tailgate golf to fill the time during TV breaks and half time.  Questions? Please contact Jay Pembridge, GSA Events Chair.

GRADUATE SCHOLARS SOCIETY INTEREST MEETING
Thursday, Sep 9, 12:00-1:00pm, GLC Room C
Should there be a mosque near Ground Zero?  Do you favor gun rights or gun control?  Does the international community have a responsibility to prevent tragedies such as the Rwandan genocide?  If you enjoy debating issues such as these, consider joining the Graduate Scholar Society (GSS).  The GSS is composed of small discussion groups based on relevant and current topics in society. Lunch will be provided.  For more information, contact Eric Hodges, or visit the GSS website.

FANTASY FOOTBALL
Thursday, Sep 9, 6:00pm, GLC Room G
Are you ready for some football?  The GLC Fellows are creating a fantasy football league for the 2010-2011 NFL season. There will be a live “draft” and then participants will gather to watch the opening game starting at 8:00pm.  If you don’t know anything about football but would like to participate, there will be an information session on how fantasy football works and how football works in general. It’s fun! Pizza will be provided.  For more information, contact Eric Hodges.

LABORATORY SAFETY
Thursday & Friday, Sep 9 & 10, 12:00-1:00pm, GLC Room B
Learn about hazards that may be present in a laboratory research environment and the actions that must be taken to comply with university policy and state and federal law.

TOWN OF BLACKSBURG TOUR
September 10, 2:45pm, Meet in the GLC Lobby
Join your fellow graduate students on a tour of Blacksburg and explore the original town limits and some of the oldest structures in Blacksburg. Sign up here.

1. YOUR FINANCIAL FUTURE
Monday, Aug 23, 5:00-6:00pm, GLC Room B
Experts from Bank of America will discuss hot topics that are important to graduate students. Bring any banking questions you have. Sign up here.

2. 30-MIN CHRISTIAN WORSHIP: LUNCHTIME AT THE CHAPEL
Wednesdays, starting Aug 25, 12:10-12:40 pm, War Memorial Chapel
Graduate students are invited to join together for half an hour of Christian worship, including singing, prayer, and a brief Bible message, at 12:10 pm on Wednesdays at War Memorial Chapel.  University employees are also welcome to come.  "Take a break  in the middle of the week to worship God and meet other Christian graduate students."  Sponsored by registered graduate student organization R. P. Missions.

3. WRITING A WINNING RESUME SEMINAR
Wednesday, Aug 25, 5:30-6:30pm, GLC Room F
Campus job fairs begin on September 14.  Attend this seminar to make sure that your resume is in great shape.  Visit Career Services for a schedule of additional career related seminars for the semester.

4. GSA DELEGATE MEETING
Thursday, Aug 26, 5:30-7:00pm,  GLC Multipurpose Room
If you are not sure what the GSA does, if you want to join, or get back into the swing of pertinent graduate student issues, attend the Graduate Student Assembly’s first delegate meeting of the 2010-11 academic year.  You can get a better understand of governance at VT,  join committees/groups that are ongoing/working this year on graduate student issues ranging from fees, health care, to child care, and be exposed to the great programming GSA has planned for the Fall semester! Email questions to gsa@vt.edu.

5. CINEMATECH SCREENING SERIES CONTINUES!
Thursday, Aug 26, 7:00pm at the Lyric Theatre, Downtown Blacksburg
Anja Haelg Bieri, GTA in the VT School of Performing Arts & Cinema, invites you to the first installation of the CinemaTech series that will kick off with David Williams, an award-winning filmmaker based in Richmond, Virginia. His work includes the feature films Lillian and Thirteen, which have been shown around the world. His awards include prizes at the Sundance and Berlin Film Festivals. Williams serves as the writer, cinematographer, editor, director and producer of his work, which blends fictional and non-fictional elements into stories of remarkable subtlety and human depth. The screening will include Williams’ feature-length film, Thirteen, and will be followed by a Q&A with the filmmaker. If you have any questions about this event, contact Anja.

6. CAREER SERVICES ANNUAL TAILGATE
Friday, Aug 27, 10:00am-3:00pm, Smith Career Center
Free food, fun games and prizes. Please come and meet the employer sponsors as well as the Career Services staff. 

7. GUIDED TOURS OF DOWNTOWN BLACKSBURG
Friday, Aug 27, 3:00-8:00pm
The GSA, together with Downtown Blacksburg Inc. (DBI), is offering free guided tours of Downtown Blacksburg during Gobblerfest! Tours will leave every 30mins from the GSA booth starting at 3:30pm. The tour will last 20-25mins and all participants get a FREE t-shirt and coupons to downtown businesses. More information can be found on the DBI  and Gobblerfest  websites. Questions? Contact Amanda Cronin Rumore, GSA VP of Programs.

8. APPALACHIA FIELD TRIP
Saturday, Sep 25, 9:00am-4:30pm, leave from Squires/GLC parking lot
The field trip includes a short hike to Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory, a visit to Hallow Hill Buffalo Farm, lunch at the Swinging Bridge Café in Paint Bank, VA and visits to an old caboose, a grist mill, a country store, and a fish hatchery. The cost is $27 that includes bus transportation and all tours. Lunch additional (plan to spend $10-15; limited vegetarian options). Register here.

9. ELIGIBILITY FOR IN-STATE CLASSIFICATION
Please review your student status in HokieSPA and your e-bill from the Bursar’s Office (Student Accounts) to determine if you are properly classified as an in-state or out-of-state student. If you believe that you are eligible for in-state classification for tuition purposes and are not listed as an in-state student, please review the Graduate School’s website to learn about the policy and apply for in-state classification if you qualify.

10. STATISTICAL COLLABORATION SERVICES
The Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis (LISA) provides VT faculty, staff, and student researchers with quality statistical support for free. The statistical collaborators of LISA are trained to help design experiments, analyze and plot data, run statistical software, interpret results, and communicate statistical concepts in ways non-statisticians understand.  Learn more about LISA and its services for graduate students.

11. CHANGE IN INTER-LIBRARY LOAN DEPARTMENT
The Newman Library’s inter-library loans department moved to a new location: ILL materials now can be picked up and returned at the main circulation desk on the second floor.

12. INVITATION TO PHI BETA DELTA HONOR SOCIETY
Graduate students are invited to apply to become a member of Phi Beta Delta, the first honor society dedicated to recognizing scholarly achievement in international education. Phi Beta Delta’s goals are: * to recognize the scholarly achievement of international students and scholars, U.S. students who have studied abroad; * to advance the development of academic-based international programming; * to provide a network on each campus for faculty, staff, and international students involved in international endeavors; and * to extend the network of members in chapters worldwide. More information and application. Apply by Sep 7, 2010. 
 
13. WAGE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY IN GIS PROJECT – 2nd posting
VT’s Geospatial Information Sciences seeks student wage employees for a GIS project focused on the development of a campus-wide 3D building geographic database, which will serve as a foundation for enterprise-wide GIS applications. Work performed in office setting on computer. The candidates must work efficiently to meet project milestones, and should be able to work as part of a team with supervision as needed. Good communication skills, CAD / GIS experience, and attention to detail required. Preferred qualifications include programming experience (VB and/or Python), geoprocessing model design, geodatabase design, 3d modeling, familiarity with KML or GML, and web development. The job will begin in August, and continue into the spring 2011 semester. There are multiple positions, so candidates with varied skill levels are encouraged to apply. If you want to learn more, please email your resume to Peter Sforza at the Center for Geospatial Information Technology.

14. FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITY: CHRISTINE MIRZAYAN SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY POLICY GRAD FELLOWSHIP
This fellowship is designed to engage fellows in the analytical process that informs US science and technology policy, and help them develop basic skills essential to working on science policy at the federal, state or local levels. Session dates Jan 24-Apr 15, 2011; Aug 29-Nov 18, 2011. More information and application.

16. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR SPATIAL ENVIRONMENTS STUDY – 2nd posting
How would you like to spend a little time playing Sherlock Holmes, Hercule Poirot, Jack Ryan, or George Smiley? Researchers are looking for a collection of potential detectives and intelligence analysts to take part in a study of spatial environments for intelligence analysis. No actual detecting experience is required (nor do you have to recognize all of the names above). All that is needed is an inquiring mind and three hours to read and analyze a collection of text documents to find the bad guys (sorry, no car chases, explosions, or exotic gadgets from Q division will be involved). Compensation for your time will be provided, and a prize awarded for the most accurate solution. If you are interested, contact Christopher Andrews to set up a time slot (unfortunately, if you need to use glasses to read I cannot currently accommodate you – contacts are fine however).

16. PAYROLL DEDUCTION OF COMP FEES FOR GRADUATE ASSISTANTS – sign up now!
Graduate students on assistantship appointment may pay their comprehensive, technology and capital fees through payroll deduction during the fall and spring semesters. To be eligible for this program, students must commit to paying the full-time comprehensive, technology and capital fees through payroll deduction. Enrollment is managed through Hokie SPA and students must sign up _each_ semester in which they wish to take advantage of this opportunity. Learn more.

17. NEW COURSE OFFERING IN FALL 2010: WELLNESS THROUGH MIND BODY PRACTICES
Students will examine several mind body practices loosely based on Traditional Chinese Medicine, including acupuncture, diet and nutrition, herbs, meditation, qigong, taiji, breath work, and Reiki. In addition, they will examine a general philosophical framework for understanding the function of these practices, discuss their historical place in the development of Asian religions and their  impact on health and well-being, and explore their relationship to conventional western medicine. Guest lecturers will cover many of these topics. The students will be required to adopt two practices and report on the impact of these practices. CRN 98167; 3 cr; TTH 5:00-6:15pm; Litton Reaves 1770; Instructor ¬ Prof. Douglas K Lindner.

18. GRAD 5134: TOPICS IN INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH: SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND CONSTRUCTION
This course explores how to build sustainable living-learning community at the VT Catawba Sustainability Center (VTCSC).  The course will work in a studio environment with teams of students from various backgrounds that might include engineering, architecture, LAR, construction, business, planning, agriculture, environmental sciences, forestry, and others.  The teams will work together to study components of the master plan for the VTCSC and look to provide an ecologically sound design and process to physically manifest the concepts.  Team work, entrepreneurship, risk, followership and leadership will be part of discussion topics.  Instructor: Dr. Yvan Beliveau, 540.818.4602. Wednesdays 5:30-8:15, Bishop-Favrao Hall 210.

19. GRAD 5984: TOPICS ON DIVERSITY & INCLUSION FOR A GLOBAL SOCIETY
Tuesdays, 6:00-8:50pm, GLC
The objective of this course is to provide students with a broader perspective and the research around the topic of diversity and inclusion for a global society.

20. UPCOMING EVENTS:

GSA WELCOME BACK HAPPY HOUR
Friday, Sep 3, 5:00-7:00pm, GLC Lounge
The GSA will host its annual Welcome Back Happy Hour: $5.00 per person (cash) at the door for 2 beers and snacks ($2 for snacks only). All graduate students, post-docs, and faculty members are invited to come and enjoy a great start to the semester! Must be 21 or over to attend; valid I.D. required for entry. Please direct any questions to Amanda Cronin Rumore.

1. GSA WELCOME BACK BBQ!
Tuesday, Aug 17, 4:00-8:00pm, University Club Lawn
Start the semester off right at the Welcome Back BBQ sponsored by the Graduate Student Assembly (GSA). Come and meet new and returning students while enjoying a selection of yard games and music with accompanying free BBQ (vegetarian options available). We hope to see you there!  Questions: Contact Amanda Cronin Rumore, VP of Programs.  

2. MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME IN BLACKSBURG
Wednesday, Aug 18, 4:00-6:00pm in GLC Auditorium and Multipurpose Room
This new event is designed to help new graduate students connect with returning graduate students, faculty, and staff, and resources that can help them succeed in graduate school and maintain a healthy life balance. Returning graduate students are invited to stop by and share their experiences, advice and best kept secrets with students who have just arrived in Blacksburg.

3. GSA LYRIC MOVIE NIGHT
Wednesday, Aug 18, 7:00pm, The Lyric Theatre
*** NOTE CHANGE OF DATE*** Join other members of the GSA for a movie at the historic Lyric Theatre (downtown on College Ave). Gather in the GLC Lobby at 6:30pm and then walk to the Lyric to see the highly-acclaimed movie, Inception. Ticket cost is $4.00 per person and includes free popcorn! Please express your interest by completing this short survey. Direct any questions to Amanda Cronin Rumore, VP of Programs.  

4. WAGE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY IN GIS PROJECT
VT’s Geospatial Information Sciences seeks student wage employees for a GIS project focused on the development of a campus-wide 3D building geographic database, which will serve as a foundation for enterprise-wide GIS applications. Work performed in office setting on computer. The candidates must work efficiently to meet project milestones, and should be able to work as part of a team with supervision as needed. Good communication skills, CAD / GIS experience, and attention to detail required. Preferred qualifications include programming experience (VB and/or Python), geoprocessing model design, geodatabase design, 3d modeling, familiarity with KML or GML, and web development. The job will begin in August, and continue into the spring 2011 semester. There are multiple positions, so candidates with varied skill levels are encouraged to apply. If you want to learn more, please email your resume to Peter Sforza, at the Center for Geospatial Information Technology.

5. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR SPATIAL ENVIRONMENTS STUDY
How would you like to spend a little time playing Sherlock Holmes, Hercule Poirot, Jack Ryan, or George Smiley? Researchers are looking for a collection of potential detectives and intelligence analysts to take part in a study of spatial environments for intelligence analysis. No actual detecting experience is required (nor do you have to recognize all of the names above). All that is needed is an inquiring mind and three hours to read and analyze a collection of text documents to find the bad guys (sorry, no car chases, explosions, or exotic gadgets from Q division will be involved). Compensation for your time will be provided, and a prize awarded for the most accurate solution. If you are interested, contact Christopher Andrews to set up a time slot (unfortunately, if you need to use glasses to read I cannot currently accommodate you – contacts are fine however).

6. PAYROLL DEDUCTION OF COMP FEES FOR GRADUATE ASSISTANTS – sign up now!
Graduate students on assistantship appointment may pay their comprehensive, technology and capital fees through payroll deduction during the fall and spring semesters. To be eligible for this program, students must commit to paying the full-time comprehensive, technology and capital fees through payroll deduction. Enrollment is managed through Hokie SPA and students must sign up _each_ semester in which they wish to take advantage of this opportunity. Visit the Grad School website  for details.

7. NEW COURSE OFFERING IN FALL 2010: WELLNESS THROUGH MIND BODY PRACTICES
Students will examine several mind body practices loosely based on Traditional Chinese Medicine, including acupuncture, diet and nutrition, herbs, meditation, qigong, taiji, breath work, and Reiki. In addition, they will examine a general philosophical framework for understanding the function of these practices, discuss their historical place in the development of Asian religions and their  impact on health and well-being, and explore their relationship to conventional western medicine. Guest lecturers will cover many of these topics. The students will be required to adopt two practices and report on the impact of these practices. CRN 98167; 3 cr; TTH 5:00-6:15pm; Litton Reaves 1770; Instructor: Prof. Douglas K Lindner.

8. GRAD 5134: TOPICS IN INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH: SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND CONSTRUCTION
This course explores how to build sustainable living-learning community at the VT Catawba Sustainability Center (VTCSC).  The course will work in a studio environment with teams of students from various backgrounds that might include engineering, architecture, LAR, construction, business, planning, agriculture, environmental sciences, forestry, and others.  The teams will work together to study components of the master plan for the VTCSC and look to provide an ecologically sound design and process to physically manifest the concepts.  Team work, entrepreneurship, risk, followership and leadership will be part of discussion topics.  Instructor: Dr. Yvan Beliveau, 540.818.4602. Wednesdays 5:30-8:15, Bishop-Favrao Hall 210.

9. GRAD 5984: TOPICS ON DIVERSITY & INCLUSION FOR A GLOBAL SOCIETY
Tuesdays, 6:00-8:50pm, GLC
The objective of this course is to provide students with a broader perspective and the research around the topic of diversity and inclusion for a global society.

10. UPCOMING EVENTS:

CAREER SERVICES ANNUAL TAILGATE
Friday, Aug 27, 10:00am-3:00pm, Smith Career Center
Free food, fun games and prizes. Please come and meet the employer sponsors as well as the Career Services staff.  Learn more.

1. WEEKLY SERVICES IN THE GLC

• Walk-in counseling in the GLC has been suspended for the rest of the summer due to low interest. Please visit the Cook Counseling Center for assistance. Walk-in counseling in the GLC will resume in the fall.
• Writing support and career advising in the GLC will resume in the fall. For writing assistance in the summer, contact the Writing Center at 231-5436.

2. GRADUATE SCHOOL ORIENTATION VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
The Graduate School is looking for graduate student volunteers (graduate ambassadors) to assist with international graduate student check-in (Aug 2-20), GTA training (Aug 16-17), the Welcome Center and New Graduate Student Orientation in the GLC (Aug 16-20). Roles include: check in and registration assistance, information and guidance to attendees; Welcome Center staffing; orientation crowd control; program set up and more. If you are available and interested in assisting with any of these events, please contact Monika Gibson  and include in your email your full name, department, contact information, and availability/preferred dates for participation. There will be a short training session during the week of Aug 9-13 for welcome week events. Volunteers will receive a Graduate Ambassador t-shirt and refreshments during the training session(s).  

3. GLC WAGE POSITIONS OPEN FOR FALL 2010
Applications are now accepted for Fall 2010 for GLC wage positions. To apply, go to www.jobs.vt.edu, click on Search All Jobs, then click on Student Search for the following position names and posting numbers: UUSA Graduate Information Associate, posting # 0100456 UUSA; Graduate Services Associate, posting # 0100457.  For more information about the GLC Graduate Services or Information Associates positions, please visit the UUSA/GLC Employment Page. On-line applications will be accepted through August 3. No late or paper applications will be accepted. For more information, please contact Jordan DeWitt, Coordinator of Graduate Life Center Operations.

4. GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIP AVAILABLE IN INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS
The College of Engineering Office of International Programs seeks applications for a full-time Graduate Assistant (20 hours/wk) for the 2010-2011 academic year to provide support for the programming and international initiatives of the office. Primary emphasis is on the development, implementation and administrative support of the Rising Sophomore Abroad Program (RSAP), International Alumni Planning Board, Student Engineers’ Abroad Council (SEAC), International Programs Faculty Committee and other international initiatives. The ideal candidate will have a background in program coordination and international education. For a full job description and to apply, please contact Nicole Sanderlin, Director of International Programs. Screening of applicants will begin Wednesday, August 4, 2010 and continue until an appointment is made.

5. GRAD STUDENT LEADERS SOUGHT FOR LEADERSHIP TECH PROGRAM – 2nd posting
The Department of Student Activities seeks 12 graduate student volunteers who want to improve their small group facilitation and mentoring skills through an undergraduate leadership development program.  Participants in the Leadership Tech: Engaging Leadership develop their potential for responsible citizenship and leadership through community service and a range of other experiential learning activities.  Facilitators will work in teams of two to guide a group of 10-15 junior and/or senior students organized around one of the following issues: Environmental Sustainability; Social Justice; Global Issues; Health and Wellness; Community Vitality. If interested, submit your resume and complete the application. An interview will be scheduled for those who meet the minimum qualifications. If you have any questions, please contact Allison Dunn,  540-231-8628.

6. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR DISTANCE DETECTION STUDY – 2nd posting
An ISE graduate student is seeking participants for a two-part experiment: In the first part, the participant’s hearing level and condition is checked in the Auditory Systems Lab in Whittemore, taking about 30 minutes. The second part of the experiment will be conducted in an open field at Bissett Park in Radford city (transportation available). In the second part, the participant will be instructed to estimate the distance at which a backup alarm signal will be detectable and it will take around 4 hours to complete this part. Participants will be compensated $8/h for their participation. If you are interested please contact Khaled Alali or 540-257-3199.

7. RESEARCH SUBJECTS SOUGHT – 3rd posting
Research subjects are wanted for a study to determine whether daily consumption of corn oil/omega-3 fat will influence muscle soreness, damage and inflammation that occurs after weight training. Must consume supplement for 45 days, perform strenuous weight training bout, go through several weeks of weight training program developed by the researchers, and provide seven blood samples over 45 days. Eligibility: must be healthy males (non-smokers, no orthopedic limitations to exercise; no chronic health conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, bleeding, or inflammatory diseases); 18-28; schedule compatible with testing and training. Benefits: development of personal weight training program by experienced professionals, financial compensation up to $175. If interested, contact vthnfe@gmail.com for more information.

8. PAYROLL DEDUCTION OF COMP FEES FOR GRADUATE ASSISTANTS
Graduate students on assistantship appointment may pay their comprehensive, technology and capital fees through payroll deduction during the fall and spring semesters. To be eligible for this program, students must commit to paying the full-time comprehensive, technology and capital fees through payroll deduction. Enrollment is managed through Hokie SPA and students must sign up _each_ semester in which they wish to take advantage of this opportunity. Learn more.

9. UPCOMING EVENTS:

GSA ICE CREAM SOCIAL
 Tuesday, Aug 10, 4:30pm-6pm, GLC Lounge
Get out of your sweltering lab or office and cool off with some free ice cream sponsored by the Graduate Student Assembly! Ice cream in bowls or cones and all of the toppings will be provided. Please register if you are interested in attending. Please direct any questions to Amanda Cronin Rumore, VP of Programs. 

GSA LYRIC MOVIE NIGHT
Monday, Aug 16, 7:00pm, The Lyric Theatre
Join other members of the GSA for a movie at the historic Lyric Theatre (downtown on College Ave). Gather in the GLC Lobby at 6:30pm and then walk to the Lyric to see the highly-acclaimed movie, Inception. Ticket cost is $4.00 per person and includes free popcorn! Please express your interest by completing this short survey. Direct any questions to Amanda Cronin Rumore, VP of Programs.

GSA WELCOME BACK BBQ!
Tuesday, Aug 17, 4:00-8:00pm, University Club Lawn
Start the semester off right at the Welcome Back BBQ sponsored by the Graduate Student Assembly (GSA). Come and meet new and returning students while enjoying a selection of yard games and music with accompanying free BBQ (vegetarian options available). We hope to see you there!  Questions:  Amanda Cronin Rumore, VP of Programs.