October 25-31

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. GREAT EXPECTATIONS: WHEN WORLDS COLLIDE IN 3 PLAYS
Monday-Wednesday, Oct 25-27, 7:30pm, Theatre 101
Graduate students in Theatre Arts invite you to three showings of these plays:
* HELEN AT RISK by Dana Yeaton. Conducting a workshop in creative mask-making at a prison, Helen winsomely shares her artistic skills along with her ideals. When a wise-guy inmate starts acting up, however, self-expression takes a nasty turn.
* COLD by David Mamet. Waiting on a subway platform, two strangers from different worlds encounter one another.
* THE MOON PLEASE by Diana Son. On the morning of 9/11, new parents hastily prepare for a day in Manhattan packed with job interviews and high-profile "pitches" to clients. When the babysitter neglects to show-up, the young parents must decide: who will stay home with the baby? As the minutes tick toward the first attack on the World Trade Center, the drama illuminates how we adapt to the challenges of our ever-changing lives. Doors open at 7pm, admission is FREE!

3. 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 to this program to talk about your life as a graduate student and to learn ways to navigate the university’s political system – to explore resources & support systems that will help you succeed and graduate.

4. APPLYING FOR FEDERAL GOVERNMENT JOBS – CAREER SERVICES SERIES
Tuesdays at 3:30pm; remaining sessions are on Oct  26, Nov 2 and 9
Learn the 10 steps in 5 weeks. Learn more about this series.

5. SHORT COURSES IN STATISTICS: T-TESTS, ANOVA AND ANCOVA
Tuesday, Oct 26, 5:00-7:00pm, Fralin Auditorium
The Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis (LISA) offers a series of evening short courses to help graduate students use statistics in their research. These two-hour courses teach practical statistical techniques for analyzing or collecting data. See www.lisa.stat.vt.edu/?q=short_courses for instructions on how to register and to learn more. Refreshments provided at the end of each short course. Upcoming schedule and topics:

  • 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
LISA also provides free statistical collaboration and consulting: visit www.lisa.stat.vt.edu to schedule an appointment. Free daily walk-in consulting service is available from 12-2pm in 401 Hutcheson Hall.

6. RELAY FOR LIFE KICK OFF

Wednesday Oct 27, 5:00-7:00pm, GLC Lawn/GLC Plaza
Kick off the 2011 Relay For Life year with the GSA and celebrate 10 years of fighting cancer at VT! VT Relay is taking over the GLC Plaza with performances and free food/drinks. Performances by Soulstice, Juxtaposition, drawings for footballs signed by Tyrod and Coach Beamer, and special guest speaker and survivor DJ Robynn Jaymes from Star Country. For more information visit the official VT Relay site or contact Kristin Canavera.

7. 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.

8. HALLOWEEN CHALLENGE 2010
Friday, Oct 29, 8:00am-5:00pm, Graduate School Dean’s Suite (232 GLC)
The first 10 students who visit the Graduate School dean’s office dressed in a Halloween costume demanding to be seen by the dean immediately will receive a monster stress ball. The second 10 may be escorted out by campus police… Take your chances!

9. DIYOTSAV: CELEBRATING DIWALI
Saturday, Oct 30, 5:00-8:00pm, Burruss Auditorium
The Indian Students Association invites you to its biggest celebration this semester, the Indian Festival of Lights, which 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, catered by Taaza from Roanoke. Event is open to all. Please register on Facebook  or at ISA’s website.

10. LUNCH WITH THE PRESIDENT – Sign up now!
Tuesday, Nov 2, 12:00-1:30pm, The Inn at Virginia Tech
Chat with President Steger, Provost McNamee, and Dean DePauw! Lunch will be provided. All graduate students are invited to attend. This is a chance for you to talk about your graduate experiences to the administration. Sign up by Oct 30. If you have any questions, please contact Deepu George, grad rep to the BOV.

11. AEL LEADERSHIP WORKSHOP: APPLY NOW – 3rd posting
Alpha Epsilon Lambda (AEL) graduate leadership honor society will be hosting a leadership workshop on Friday, Nov 5 from 5:00-9:00pm and Saturday, Nov 6 from 8:30am-12:30pm. This two-day, interactive workshop is for VT graduate students  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, please visit: https://www.fdi.vt.edu/public/?term_pk1=12520 to register (limited to 60 people). If you have any questions, contact AEL at ael2010@vt.edu.

12. GRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANTSHIP OPPORTUNITY – 2nd posting
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.  Doctoral 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 Dr. Holly M. Matusovich at matushm@vt.edu. Apply by November 15th.  Interviews will be conducted by early December. More information >>.

13. SOCIAL ENTREPRENEUR GRANT PROGRAM – 3rd 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 (http://www.vtserves.vt.edu/) for more information about the grant program. Students will need to fill out the application survey (http://tiny.cc/fug73) by October 30th to be eligible for grant funding this cycle.  Questions can be directed to emilybar@vt.edu.

14. JEAN PHILLIPS SCHOLARSHIP – 3rd 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. Applicants must be of good character and have a record of leadership and service. Application and details can be found at: http://www.graduateschool.vt.edu/financial/for_departments/gs_funding.html#janet

15. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR BIOMECHANICS STUDY
Participants are sought for a study investigating the effects of flexion and lifting on the biomechanics and neuromuscular control of the human torso.  The study consists of six separate experimental sessions (each lasting approximately 2 hours) and participants will be compensated $10/hour.  To qualify you must be between the ages of 18-29, have a lean body, and regularly exercise at least 2-3 times per week.  For more information or to inquire about participation, please contact Khoirul at khoirul@vt.edu

16. BROADBAND MAPPING: BE A PART OF HISTORY

In an effort to expand high-speed Internet access across the state, VT’s eCorridors <http://www.ecorridors.vt.edu/>  program presents “Accelerate Virginia,” a new broadband mapping project. Consumers have a unique opportunity to provide information about Internet accessibility in their homes and communities. Along with other sources, this data will be used to inform the Virginia and national broadband maps, and identify areas in need of broadband infrastructure investment. If broadband is important to you, please visit  http://acceleratevirginia.org/speedtest/ and run a speed test from your off campus residence.  For more information please contact Jean Plymale at  vplymale@vt.edu, 231-2270.

17. RESEARCH SUBJECTS WANTED FOR STUDY OF EFFECTS OF YOGA – 3rd 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.

18. CALL FOR GRDP REVIEWERS – 2nd posting

The Graduate Student Assembly (GSA) is looking for candidates to serve as reviewers for the Graduate Research and Development Program (GRDP). The GRDP provides monetary support for degree-contingent research conducted by graduate students. More information can be found on the GSA website. Reviewers 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 (gsagrdpchair@gmail.com).

19. UPCOMING EVENTS:

BIKE MAINTENANCE BASICS

Monday, Nov 1, 5:30-6:30pm, GLC Room B
If you ride a bike, you need this class! In this informative presentation you’ll learn how to lube a chain, fix a flat tire in record time, and make other minor adjustments to your bike. No experience necessary. For more information please contact Scott Lail, GLC Resident Fellow, at slail87@vt.edu.

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 at https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1287152304566. If you are bringing your family or a group of friends, only one person needs to register. Questions? Please contact Jay Pembridge at jpembrid@vt.edu.

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 to 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 at jpembrid@vt.edu to schedule your audition or if you have any questions.

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 host 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 this survey .

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. Questions? Contact Jay Pembridge (jpembrid@vt.edu).

INTERNATIONAL BEER TASTING
Friday, Nov 12, 5:00-7:00pm, GLC Student Lounge
The GSA is sponsoring this international beer tasting to kick-off International Education Week. The cost is $5.00 per person (cash) at the door for 2 beers and snacks ($2 for snacks only). All grad students, post-docs, and faculty members are invited to come and enjoy beers from around the world! Must be 21 & older to attend. Please direct any questions to Amanda Cronin Rumore at arumore@vt.edu.