Events, opportunities and services for graduate students

1. WEEKLY SERVICES IN THE GLC

– Career services walk-in advising: Wednesdays, 1:30-5:00pm, GLC Study Room

– Walk-in counseling support: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, 1-5pm, GLC Green Room

– Writing support: Mondays (4-7pm) and Wednesdays (4-6pm), GLC Videoconference Room

 

2. GRADUATE STUDENT PHOTO & ART DISPLAY FALL 2010 – enter by Oct 15

To celebrate the 5-year anniversary of the opening of the Graduate Life Center, the Graduate School is inviting submissions of photography and artwork by graduate students for display in the GLC. Selected pieces will be displayed from November 1, 2010 through March 21, 2011. Submissions are limited to three pieces (art and/or photography) per graduate student. Learn more here  or contact Monika Gibson with questions.

 

3. APPLYING FOR FEDERAL GOVERNMENT JOBS – CAREER SERVICES SERIES

Sessions are on Oct 12, 19, 26, Nov 2 and 9, all at 3:30pm.

Learn the 10 steps in 5 weeks. Learn more here.

 

4. LISA SHORT COURSES IN STATISTICS

See dates below, 5-7pm, Fralin Auditorium

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. See the LISA website  for instructions on how to REGISTER and to learn more. Refreshments provided at the end of each short course.

Oct 12: Design of Experiments;

Oct 19: *Introduction to JMP;

Oct 26: T-tests, ANOVA, and ANCOVA;

Nov 2: Analyzing Non-Normal Data with Generalized Linear Models (GLMs);

Nov 9: *Intro to SAS;

Nov 16: *Using R for Your Basic Statistical Needs;

*Class will be held in 3060 Torgersen Hall (no refreshments at this location).

LISA also provides free statistical collaboration and consulting: visit the LISA website  to schedule an appointment. Free daily walk-in consulting service is available from 12-2pm in 401 Hutcheson Hall.

 

5. BGSO PRESENTS: FINANCIAL PLANNING

Tuesday, Oct 12, 7:15-8:30pm, Black Cultural Center in Squires

The Black Graduate Student Organization invites you to its next event about financial planning. A representative from Wachovia Bank will answer any of your financial questions and will also provide general information on maintaining your financial integrity. Please contact Shernita Lee, BGSO president, at shernita@vt.edu if you have any questions.

 

6. GRAD FAIR

Wednesday, Oct 13, 11:30am-7:30pm, Holtzman Alumni Center
Pick up all of your graduation needs in one location: announcements, diplomas, and caps and gowns!  Free pizza, drinks, iTunes and University Bookstore gift card drawings. Plus, music, prizes and giveaways from the University Bookstore and Volume Two Bookstore. For more information visit the Grad Fair website. 

 

7. HISPANIC/LATINO GRADUATE STUDENT LUNCHEON
Wednesday, Oct 13, 12:00-1:00pm, GLC RoomG
The Office of Graduate Recruitment and Diversity Initiatives invites you to share in a casual discussion about life at Virginia Tech as a Latino/Hispanic student.  Lunch is free!  Please RSVP here.

 

8. GRAD STUDENT GROUP: THRIVE OR SURVIVE?

Thursdays, 4:00-5:00pm, GLC Room C

You may feel overwhelmed by having to manage relationships with colleagues, advisors, family, friends, roommates; your support system may be in a different state or a different country; you may have a family to take care of in addition to graduate school. And then there are issues like prelims, theses, dissertations, teaching, research, etc. Meet on Thursday afternoons with Cook Counseling staff and fellow graduate students to talk about these and other issues, seek and provide support, empower each other, and learn how to navigate the university’s systems and resources.

 

9. GLC FELLOWS MOVIE NIGHT: BE AFRAID, BE VERY AFRAID!!!!!

Thursday, Oct 14, 8:00pm in the GLC Student Lounge

The GLC Fellows will be hosting this movie night for all graduate students.  In the spirit of the season, they will show the horror movie "Paranormal Activity."  Drinks and Popcorn will be provided. If you’re planning to attend, please register here.   For more information contact Eric Hodges at hodgeseb@vt.edu. Popcorn and drinks will be provided.

 

10. CPR TRAINING

Friday, Oct 15, 1:00-4:30pm, and

Friday, Nov 5, 8:30am-12pm, both in GLC Room G

The GLC Fellows are sponsoring this training instructed by an Environmental Health and Safety Services representative. The cost is $20 and will be charged to your VT account. The training fee covers the cost for a quick reference manual, full training manual (with DVD), barrier mask and a two year certification from the National Safety Council.  Please note that registration is limited to 10 students per class. If you are not in the first 10 that sign up, you will be notified that you will be put on a waiting list and will not be charged at that time. More sessions may be scheduled later this semester and in the spring semester. Sign up here

 

11. GSA FALL 2010 WINE SOCIAL

Friday, Oct 15, 5:30-9:00pm, University Club

Join the GSA and your fellow grad students at the GSA Fall Wine Social! Wine service will stop at 8:30pm). Tickets are $10 and can be pre-purchased online or at the door. GSA Delegate and Cabinet members can get in for $5 at the door. If you have any questions or would like to volunteer to help with the event, please contact Amanda Cronin Rumore, VP of Programs.

 

12. ONE-TIME BONUS FOR RETURNING GRADUATE ASSISTANTS

To recognize the significant efforts of graduate students, the University will provide a 3% bonus to graduate students returning on assistantship during 2010-11. Graduate students on assistantship are eligible for the bonus if they were employed (GA, GRA, GTA, faculty, or staff) during the 2009-10 fiscal year, and are contracted as a graduate assistant (GA, GRA, GTA) on December 1st, 2010.  The bonus will be 3% of the graduate student’s projected annual pay as of December 1, 2010 based on an academic year or calendar year basis.  The graduate student’s 2009-10 employment history will determine an academic or calendar year appointment basis. The bonus will be included in the Dec 1, 2010 paycheck. Applicable taxes and deductions will apply.

 

13. JEAN PHILLIPS SCHOLARSHIP – 1st posting

Due by Sunday, October 31

The Peacock-Harper Culinary History Collection Committee is now taking applications for the Jean Phillips Scholarship. Preference will be given to applicants from the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences whose scholarly pursuits encompass topics related to material in the Peacock-Harper Culinary Collection, such as the history of foods, human nutrition or food culture. Applicant must be of good character and have a record of leadership and service. Application and details can be found here.

 

14. WAGE JOB OPPORTUNITY IN OIRED – 2nd posting

Administrative assistant sought for Women in International Development within the Office of Intl Research, Education and Development. The position reports directly to the director of WID, and supports donor-funded collaborative research projects, assists with administration, provides research and writing support for funding proposals and papers, helps prepare materials for meetings and more. Learn more about the position here. Must have excellent organizational, communication and writing skills; attention to detail; enthusiasm; interest in international development and gender; 3.5 GPA or above. 10-20 hrs/wk. To apply: send cover letter describing your interests and experience, resume, two examples of your disciplinary writing, and a copy of academic transcript (photocopy/ PDF is OK) to Betty Watts. Use “WID Administrative Assistant” in the subject heading of your email.

 

15. PRESIDENTIAL MANAGEMENT FELLOWSHIP (PMF) OPPORTUNITY – 3rd posting 

The PMF Program helps federal agencies attract outstanding master’s and doctoral students who have a clear interest in excellence in the leadership and management of public policies and programs. Students who meet all graduate degree requirements, including the completion or successful defense of any required thesis or dissertation, between Sep 1, 2010 and Aug 31, 2011, are eligible to apply in fall 2010 for the PMF class of 2011. Apply online. Applicants must be nominated by Graduate Dean Karen P. DePauw. Applicants should send by email to grads@vt.edu a completed PMF Form 1300 along with their CV and a brief essay that addresses:  1) breadth and quality of accomplishments;  2) capacity for leadership;  3) commitment to excellence in leadership and management of public policies and programs, or fax these to 540-231-3714 by Oct 15. Do not send directly to Dean DePauw. For questions call 540-231-4558.

 

16. RESEARCH SUBJECTS WANTED FOR STUDY OF EFFECTS OF YOGA – 1st posting

Research subjects are needed for a study to evaluate the effects of Yoga exercises on improving low back stability, endurance and strength. Participant must be available for pre and post-tests that are 6 weeks apart. Two pools of participants are wanted: (1) Must have recently started practicing yoga exercises, preferably Hatha yoga, under a qualified instructor; do yoga exercises at least 3 times a week, ~90 minutes per session. (2) Not enrolled in any yoga or like-wise classes (pilates, tai-chi). Both pools of participants must continue following their exercising schedule for 6 weeks after the first experimental session. Eligibility: 18-35 years old; not have experienced low back injuries/pain in the past year. Compensation: $10 per hour, $5 after completion of experiment, $5 for the best performance in respective categories (stability, endurance and strength). If interested, contact anujdm@vt.edu for more information.

 

17. RESEARCH SUBJECTS SOUGHT FOR NSF PROJECT ON GAIT ANALYSIS AND FALL RISK – 2nd posting

Male and female participants are sought for a VT research experiment involving the development and testing of a gait analysis system. The experiment requires participants to walk on a linear way and on a treadmill, as well as perform some daily activities such as sitting, lying down, bending, etc. A slippery floor surface will be randomly introduced when the participant walk on the linear way, but participants will be fully protected by a safety harness. The experiment will be conducted at the Locomotion Lab in the ISE department and will take 2 to 3 hours. Each participant will be compensated at a rate of $10/hour and will receive snacks during the experiment. If you’re in good general health condition, within the age range of 18-30, and interested in helping us out, please contact Selina Zhang, at (540) 808-9247.

 

18. FISH AND SEAFOOD SENSORY PANELISTS SOUGHT

You are invited to participate in a series of seafood sensory panels! The sensory panels will occur October–November on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays,  10:30am–12:00pm in the Sensory Laboratory (Room 127) in the Food Science and Technology Building at the corner of Duck Pond Drive and Washington Street. Each sensory panel will take no more than 15 minutes and you will receive a snack for your participation. The information that you will provide from participating will help with establishing optimal cooking guidelines for fish and seafood for ensuring acceptability and safety for consumers. If you are interested in participating in the sensory panels, please fill out this survey  to register and learn more.

 

19. RESEARCH SUBJECTS AGES 6-7-8 SOUGHT FOR STUDY- 3rd posting

The Cognitive, Affect and Psychophysiology (C.A.P.) Laboratory in the Psychology

Department is recruiting 6-, 7- and 8-year-olds for a fun new study examining emotion and memory. Participants will be entered into a drawing for a $50.00 gift certificate to a local store of choice as well as receive a small gift card for Books-A-Million. If you have a 6-, 7- or 8-year-old and would like to participate or learn more about the study, please contact Anjolii Diaz  for more information.

 

20. CITIZEN SCHOLAR EXPERIENCE

Have you used your research to benefit society in any way? If so, consider applying for the Citizen Scholar award.  If not, why not consider designing a Citizen Scholar project?  Learn more about program requirements here Applications are due December 2.  For more information, email Eric Hodges.

 

21. GSA TRAVEL FUND PROGRAM (TFP): Cycle I, apply by Oct 15

The Travel Fund Program (TFP) is here to help relieve some of your financial burdens associated with traveling to conferences to present your research. If you are traveling to present between July 1, 2010 to December 31, 2010, you are eligible to apply to the TFP to be reimbursed up to $350 as a master’s or $500 as a doctoral student. Applications open Sep 6-Oct 15, 2010 (5pm). Please review the GSA website  for more information or email Courtney Gleason .

 

22. GSA-GRADUATE RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (GRDP); CYCLE I
The GSA-GRDP is a competitive research funding program administered by the GSA to support qualified research and innovative ideas proposed by VT graduate students. Applications go through a rigorous review process by a panel of graduate students and faculty. Visit the GSA website  to learn more about this opportunity. All questions should be directed to the GRDP chair, Ranjana Mehta.

 

23. WAGE JOB OPENING WITH VT-MENA
A short-term
web position is available doing website design and updates for VT-MENA.  Experience in website design is preferred.  Pay is $10-$12/hour, commensurate with experience. If interested, please email VT Mena.

 

24. SOCIAL ENTREPRENEUR GRANT PROGRAM

The VT Center for Student Engagement and Community Partnerships (CSECP) invites students to “Invent the Future” by proposing innovative projects that will address community needs.  CSECP’s Social Entrepreneur grant program will provide seed funding to a limited number of student service-related projects this semester.  Please visit CSECP’s website for more information about the grant program. Students will need to fill out the application survey by October 30th to be eligible for grant funding this cycle.  Questions can be directed to emilybar@vt.edu.

 

 

25. UPCOMING EVENTS:

 

ETD WORKSHOP SERIES: COPYRIGHT ISSUES

Tuesday, Oct 19, 7:00-8:00pm, GLC Room F

Gail McMillan from Newman Library will discuss  copyright, permissions and representing other author’s works in your ETD.

 

ADVANCE VT GRAD STUDENT LUNCH SEMINAR: CREATING A RESEARCH PROGRAM FROM THE GROUND UP

Wednesday, Oct 20, 12:00pm–1:30pm, GLC Room F

If you are interested in a faculty or research career and would like to learn more about how to set up a successful research program, this seminar is for you.  This session will be led by Dr. Barbara Ryder, Professor and Chair of the Department of Computer Science at Virginia Tech.  AdvanceVT Graduate Student Lunch Seminars are designed to help graduate students prepare for careers in academe.  All graduate students are welcome, and lunch is provided.  Please register by October 18. 

 

TECHNOTIPS: USING ELECTRONIC RESOURCES EFFECTIVELY IN YOUR JOB SEARCH
Wednesday, Oct. 20, 5:30pm, GLC Room G
Have you tapped into the robust electronic job search resources available through Career Services?  Attend this session to learn what they are and how to effectively use these programs in your job search.

 

IT GETS BETTER RALLY

Wednesday, Oct 20, 5:30-7pm, GLC Plaza
In memory of the many recent gay teen suicides, the LGBTA and LGBT Caucus, and the new grads group QG&A are hosting a rally to educate the local community on the bullying of LGBTQ individuals and its effects on youth. Members of the local LGBTQ community will share their own "It Gets Better" stories. This rally will kick off a new anti-bullying campaign sponsored by the LGBTA and Alpha Omicron Phi. Remember to wear purple!  Purple represents Spirit on the LGBTQ flag and that’s exactly what you should bring with you: spirit.

 

GLC FELLOWS HIKE TO THE CASCADES

Sunday, Oct 24, 10:30am, meet in front of the GLC on Otey Street

The GLC Fellows will lead this hike for graduate students, up to the beautiful Cascades waterfalls and enjoy the fall foliage. For those people who don’t have a car, transportation can be arranged.  If you’re interested, please sign up here.  For more information contact Eric Hodges.