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 25

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. **Please note that the theme for this display is: “Building graduate community since 2005: The Graduate Life Center and student life through graduate students’ eyes.”

 

3. APPLYING FOR FEDERAL GOVERNMENT JOBS – CAREER SERVICES SERIES

Tuesdays, remaining sessions are on Oct 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. Visit the LISA website  for instructions on how to REGISTER and to learn more. Refreshments provided at the end of each short course.

Oct 19: *Introduction to JMP;

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

Nov. 1: *Introduction to JMP;

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

Nov 8 & 9: *Intro to SAS;

Nov 15 & 16: *Using R for Your Basic Statistical Needs;

*Class will be held in 3060 Torgersen Hall

Oct. 19 and Nov. 1 Introduction to JMP: This short course is designed for beginners who are not yet familiar with JMP. It will begin with basic data manipulation, demonstrate JMP’s summary and analysis capabilities, and move to some advanced features. Topics covered in this course include importing data, graphing data, descriptive statistics, simple inferential tests such as t-tests and ANOVA, regression and design of experiments. Instructed by Wandi Huang.

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. 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.

 

6. 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.

 

7. 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.

 

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. JAZZ ON THE PLAZA    

Thursday, Oct 21, 6:00-7:30pm, GLC Plaza
Relax and enjoy the sounds of smooth saxophone and guitar on the GLC Plaza. Take five and join us for a relaxing evening of jazz under the autumn leaves. Sponsored by the GLC Resident Fellows. For more information, please contact Scott Lail.

 

10. DURGA PUJA

Saturday, Oct 23, 5:00-9:30pm, Old Dominion Ballroom, Squires Student Center

The VT Bengali Student Association is organizing Durga Puja, and important Indian festival that celebrates their passion for life, culture and traditions. It heralds the destruction of evil and the triumph of Shakti or strength and is in today’s world, a metaphor for the rejuvenation and rebirth of our spiritual selves. Cost is $10/person and can be purchased herePlease check the website for our e-magazine “Sharod Sombhar 1417” for photographs, paintings and literary contributions from the VT Bengali community. For further queries about tickets and donations, contact us by email. For other questions, email Manjushree. More information can be found here.

 

11.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.

 

12. GSA HIKE TO THE CASCADES

Sunday, Oct 24, 10:30am in the GLC lobby
The hike to the Cascades Falls is something that all Hokies should complete before graduation. If you haven’t seen this local beauty or you just want to see it again consider joining the GSA for a hike that will surely be a beautiful and fun showcase of Southwestern Virginia. The hike is four miles round trip and the falls are at the turnaround point, so altogether it will most likely take around three to four hours for the total excursion with the drive. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring water. We have reserved a large passenger van and will also caravan if necessary. Please join in and bring your friends and family! Please RSVP here so we have a headcount.
Questions? Contact Eric Williams if you need any more info.

 

13. 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.

 

14. JEAN PHILLIPS SCHOLARSHIP – 2nd 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.

 

15. RESEARCH SUBJECTS WANTED FOR STUDY OF EFFECTS OF YOGA – 2nd 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.

 

16. RESEARCH SUBJECTS SOUGHT FOR NSF PROJECT ON GAIT ANALYSIS AND FALL RISK – 3rd 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.

 

17. FISH AND SEAFOOD SENSORY PANELISTS SOUGHT – 2nd posting

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 click here to register and learn more.

 

18. WAGE JOB OPENING WITH VT-MENA – 2nd posting
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.

 

19. SOCIAL ENTREPRENEUR GRANT PROGRAM – 2nd posting

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 here.

 

20. CALL FOR GRDP REVIEWERS
The Graduate Student Assembly (GSA) is looking for candidates to serve as reviewers for their Graduate Research and Development Program (GRDP). The GRDP provides monetary support for degree contingent research conducted by graduate students. More information on the GRDP can be found on the GSA website.  The reviewer will be responsible for assessing research proposals in their research area or related fields, using specific rubrics provided to them. The proposals are about 1-2 pages in length. This is a great opportunity for those who are interested in applying to the GRDP to learn about the process and also for those who would like to be involved with the GSA. If you are interested please fill out this survey.
Direct any questions to Ranjana Mehta, GRDP Chair.

 

21. GRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANTSHIP OPPORTUNITY

Long-term funding is available for two GRAs beginning January 2011 to help with multi-year project in Department of Engineering Education.  Initial research responsibilities include 1) conducting interviews with engineering faculty and focus groups with engineering students at multiple university locations, 2) data transcription and data analysis, 3) survey development and deployment, 4) teacher intervention development, deployment and assessment.   Travel is required periodically throughout and paid for by the grant.  Native-level English proficiency is required.  Coursework or research experiences with qualitative and or quantitative data collection and analysis methods are preferred.  Familiarity with the engineering classroom settings is highly desirable. Ph.D. students from engineering, education, social science, or related disciplines with relevant interests and skills are encouraged to apply. If interested, please email a resume or CV and cover letter to matushm@vt.edu. Apply by November 15th.  Interviews will be conducted by early December. More information can be found here

 

22. UPCOMING EVENTS:

 

NEGOTIATING ACADEMIC RELATIONSHIPS AND NAVIGATING THE UNIVERSITY’S POLITICAL SYSTEM

Tuesday, Oct 26, 3:00-4:30 pm, Room C

As a graduate student, life can often feel overwhelming, & balancing personal and professional matters may sometimes feel like the biggest challenge.  Managing relationships with colleagues and advisors may seem stressful. You may be dealing with issues like prelims, thesis, dissertations, teaching, research etc. that may create stress and anxiety. So come rendezvous with us Thursday afternoon 10/30/10 from 3:00 – 4:30 at the GLC to talk about your life as a graduate student here at Tech and to learn ways to navigate the university’s political system – to explore resources & support systems that will help you succeed and graduate.

 

DIYOTSAV, CELEBRATING DIWALI
October 30, 4:30PM, Burruss Hall
The Indian Students Association invite you to it’s biggest celebration this semester! The Indian festival of lights will include Bollywood & folk dances and performances hosted by the famous comedian Rajiv Satyal, followed by a fireworks display on the Drillfield. Dinner afterwards is at Johnston Student Center and is catered by Taaza, from Roanoke. Event is open to all! RSVP on our facebook page 
or visit the ISA website.  

 

 VOLUNTEER AT DIYOTSAV
Saturday, Oct 30, 5-8pm, Burruss Auditorium

ISA  needs volunteers to help with Reception and Production at Diyotsav. At the Reception desk, volunteers will usher people inside and outside the auditorium, distribute programs, and usher people in and out of the dinner hall. Production volunteers will help with prop setup and removal, green room management and clean up after the show. For more details contact Sindhuja. The survey here  has a description of the work you will have to do and the time interval during which you will be expected to stay. The survey will be open till October 18, 2010. Please indicate your availability along with your name and email and join us in our celebrations!

 

GSA FAMILY GAME NIGHT

Tuesday, Nov 2, 6:00-9:00pm, GLC Multipurpose Room

Come out and enjoy some quality time with your family and friends. All students, post-docs, faculty and their families are invited to enjoy an evening full of gaming! If you have a particular game that you want to play feel free to bring it with you. Refreshments, snacks, and music will be provided. To sign up for the event please register here. If you are bringing your family or a group of friends only one person needs to register.  Please contact Jay Pembridge if you have questions.

 

GSA GRADS GOT TALENT AUDITIONS

Wednesday, Nov 3, 8:30pm, GLC Auditorium

Do you have a talent that you would like to show off? Dreams of being the next American Idol? Then come on out and audition for the Annual GSA Grads Got Talent – a fundraiser for Relay for Life. All proceeds from the event will go towards Relay and the American Cancer Society. Please contact Jay Pembridge  to schedule your audition or if you have any questions.

  

ALPHA EPSILON LAMBDA GRADUATE LEADERSHIP HONOR SOCIETY

Friday Nov 5, 5:00-9:00pm and Saturday, Nov 6, 8:30am-12:30pm, 1100 Torgersen Hall
This two-day, interactive workshop is for graduate students at Virginia Tech who want to learn more about the secrets to successful leadership in academic, professional, and community settings. Participants will complete an assessment of leadership strengths, gain insights from proven leaders, and apply this knowledge toward a personal leadership philosophy and development plan. If you are interested in attending this workshop, please register here (registration will be limited to the first 60 enrollees). If you have any questions, contact AEL at ael2010@vt.edu.

 

SINKLAND FARMS CHILI COOK-OFF AND WINE & BEER FESTIVAL

Saturday, Nov 6, 11:30am, Meet in the GLC Lobby

The GLC Resident Fellows are sponsoring a trip to the Sinkland Farms’ 3rd Annual "Up In Smoke" Chili Cook-Off and Wine & Beer Festival! Cost is $10 for chili tasting & live music, and an additional $10 if you would like to partake in the wine & beer tasting. Worried about how to get to/from the event? No problem! The GLC Fellows will be hosting a free van carpool that will meet in the GLC Lobby at 11:30am. Let us know if you plan on attending the event, and if you need a ride by completing the survey. We hope to see you there!

 

GSA GRADS GOT TALENT
Thursday, Nov 11, 8:30pm, GLC Auditorium

Grads Got Talent is a fundraiser for Graduate Relay for Life Teams. Come on out and support your fellow grad students as they showcase their talents and skills while raising money for Relay for Life, one of the  main volunteer-driven cancer fundraising event of the American Cancer Society. During the event you will have the opportunity to vote for your favorite act through donations to Relay.  Contact Jay Pembridge if you have questions.