December 20-26, 2010

1. GRADUATE SCHOOL WINTER BREAK HOURS
The Graduate School will be open with regular business hours (M-F, 8-5) through Dec 22. The Graduate School’s offices in Blacksburg will be closed from December 23, 2010 through Sunday, January 2, 2011 for the winter break. Normal business hours will resume at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, January 3, 2011. During the winter break the public areas of the Graduate Life Center, including the computer lab, will remain accessible to current graduate students with a valid Hokie Passport.

2. WINTER 2010 PHOTO CHALLENGE   
You are invited to submit photos of your winter break experience (wherever that might be) to be displayed in the GLC and on the Grad School Facebook page in January and February. Each student may upload up to three photos here. Submission deadline is Jan 14, 2011.

3. GRADUATE COMMENCEMENT DVD ON SALE
Congratulations to all master’s and doctoral students who graduated this fall! A DVD of the Fall 2010 Graduate Commencement Ceremony may be pre-ordered from the University Bookstore for a limited time at a cost of $19.99. Click the Graduation button on the bookstore’s homepage for ordering information.
 
4. GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIP POSITION AVAILABLE FOR 2011-12
Master’s or doctoral student is sought for GRA position to support the Gender Global Theme in the Integrated Pest Management Collaborative Research Support Program (IPM CRSP) beginning fall 2011. Application deadline:  Mar 1 or until position is filled. IPM CRSP is a global, multidisciplinary program that develops and implements approaches to integrated pest management to help raise the standard of living and improve the environment in countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. The successful applicant must conduct thesis/dissertation field research in a location TBD in consultation with the advisor and apply a cultural and political ecology approach to gendered spaces and gendered knowledge in IPM. The student will work directly with the Women in International Development Program of OIRED. Responsibilities include developing research instruments, analyzing data, producing publishable papers, and preparing work plans and reports for the gender program in IPM CRSP. Funding includes tuition and fees, and a 12-month stipend.  Further information.

5. PARTICIPATE IN SURVEY ABOUT MyVT – 3rd posting

Help improve MyVT: Please take 10-15 minutes to take a survey about how you use the MyVT portal and other resources at Virginia Tech.  The suggestions and feedback that you provide in this survey will have a direct impact on the future direction of MyVT.  Complete the survey here.

Happy Holidays!

December 13-19, 2010

1. GRADUATE SCHOOL WINTER BREAK HOURS
The Graduate School will be open with regular business hours (M-F, 8-5) through Dec 22. The Graduate School’s offices in Blacksburg will be closed from December 23, 2010 through Sunday, January 2, 2011 for the winter break. Normal business hours will resume at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, January 3, 2011. During the winter break the public areas of the Graduate Life Center, including the computer lab, will remain accessible to current graduate students with a valid Hokie Passport.

2. WEEKLY SERVICES IN THE GLC

– Career services walk-in advising: not offered during exams and winter break
– Walk-in counseling support: not offered during exams and winter break
– Writing support: not offered during exams and winter break
These support services will resume in the Spring 2011 semester. Services are still available in Cook Counseling, the Writing Center and in Career Services respectively.

3. BOOK SWAP IN THE GLC   
Thursday, Dec 16, 2:00-4:00pm, GLC Lobby
Don’t know what to read during the winter break? Curious about what other grads read (when not buried in professional journals, text books, and other course materials)? Bring a book and take a book (or more): stop by to browse the selection of books brought by others, and trade a book you have already read to one you might be interested in reading. Stop by even if you don’t have a book to trade! Chat with fellow grads about good books and enjoy some hot cider and other seasonal treats.

4. GRADUATE COMMENCEMENT

Friday, Dec 17, 2:45pm, Cassell Coliseum
Congrats to our graduating doctoral and master’s students! The commencement ceremony will be broadcast live on campus cable channels 3 and 4 starting at 2:30 pm. A DVD of the Fall 2010 Graduate Commencement Ceremony may be pre-ordered from the University Bookstore for a limited time at a cost of $19.99. Click the Graduation button on the bookstore’s homepage for ordering information. Graduation photos (one on stage and one off stage) will be taken of each graduate student participating in the commencement ceremony by Chappell Graduation Images. These will be available to order after the commencement ceremony.

5. TOYS FOR TOTS
Toys for Tots is a national organization, sponsored by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, that collects new toys and distributes them to needy children for Christmas. The GLC Fellows are excited to sponsor a Toys for Tots box in the GLC Lobby and hope to collect a lot of toys for children in the surrounding area. Drop off a new, unwrapped toy in the box in the GLC Lobby and help the Fellows make Christmas a little brighter for those in need. Toys can be dropped off until December 17. If you have questions, please contact Lauren Surface by email or phone at 231-9561.

6. SUMMER STUDY ABROAD IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: GLOBALIZATION & POVERTY
Join this new summer study abroad program in the Dominican Republic in June 2011. The program includes 3 weeks of examining the impact of global tourism on communities in the Dominican Republic, as well as engaging in service learning projects working with community partners in informal urban settlements. Related topics that will be addressed will be urbanization, public and environmental health, and sustainable tourism.  This program is open to graduate students of all majors and is one of the least costly study abroad programs offered by Virginia Tech.  Please contact doctoral student Brendan Brink-Halloran for details.
 
7. PARTICIPATE IN SURVEY ABOUT MyVT

Help improve MyVT: Please take 10-15 minutes to take a survey about how you use the MyVT portal and other resources at Virginia Tech.  The suggestions and feedback that you provide in this survey will have a direct impact on the future direction of MyVT.  Complete the survey here.

8. INVITATION TO PARTICIPATE IN A SURVEY FOR A NEW TYPE OF BROWNIE – 3rd posting
You are invited to participate in a survey regarding demographics, consumption and purchasing habits, and interest in a new type of brownie product. The survey consists of 32 questions and requires approximately 15 minutes to complete. The information you provide in the survey will be used in the development of a new food product by the VT Food Science and Technology Product Development Team.  If you are interested in participating, please complete the survey. Contact grad student Margo Duckson with any questions.

December 6-12, 2010

1. WEEKLY SERVICES IN THE GLC

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

These support services will be available only through Wednesday this week, then resume in the Spring 2011 semester.

2. A CONVERSATION ABOUT HAJJ

Tuesday, Dec 7, 7:00-9:30pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
The Intercultural Understanding Club (ICUC) invites the VT community to a conversation on Hajj (=Islamic pilgrimage) with dinner. The conversation will answer questions and give information about: What is Hajj? Why do five million Muslims visit the city of Makkah each year? What are the rituals and the meaning of those rituals to a Muslim? What are social and spiritual aspects/benefits of performing Hajj for a Muslim?  The event is designed to be interactive. For details of this event and to register, please visit the event site. Contact grad student Haktan Suren if you have any questions.

3. WORKING MOM’S BROWN BAG LUNCH
Wednesday, Dec 8, 12:00-1:00pm, GLC Room G
This is an informal support network for students, staff, and faculty that provides an opportunity for working mothers to get together and support one another as they try to balance family with school and/or work. For more information contact Christine Dennis Smith.

4. DIALOGUE WITH THE DEAN
Wednesday, Dec 8, 5:30-7:00pm, GLC Room G
Discuss graduate student life and university policies that impact you over dinner with Dean DePauw. This is your opportunity to bring up issues that matter most to you! Space is limited; please register here. Questions? Contact: Amanda Cronin Rumore, VP of Programs.

5. EXAM BREAK IN THE GLC
Wednesday, Dec 8, 6:00-7:00pm, GLC Student Lounge
Looking for a study break? Come grab an energy drink & rest up in the GLC
Lounge before heading back to your books! De-stressing activities will be available for graduate students, including gak making and bubble popping! 
This event is sponsored by the GLC Fellows. Please contact GLC Fellow Nicole Engel with any questions.

6. ImADIVA INFORMATION SESSION

Wednesday, Dec 8, 6:00-7:00pm, GLC Room F
Learn more about ImADiva, a project designed to provide better understanding of how to increase physical activity for college black women. You may participate if you are an 18-25 Black woman, English speaking, enrolled in at least 3 credit hrs at VT, have no physician contraindication towards physical activity, and are not pregnant or planning to become pregnant. This research project is conducted through the Translational Obesity Research Program of the Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise. For more information contact Kacie Allen.

7. FREE FITNESS CLASSES DURING EXAM WEEK 12/10-16
Take a break from studying and attend a group exercise class.  All group exercise classes, from abs to Zumba, are free for students during exam week, so you can relieve some stress and boost your energy for exams. Review the class schedule.

8. GSA ANNUAL HOLIDAY PRESENT PROGRAM
For the 3rd year in a row, the Graduate Student Assembly would like to help graduate students with children who may need a little extra funding toward presents and make your family’s holiday season a little brighter. If you are a graduate student with a child or children and you would like to get a little extra help this season, please email  with the number of children you have, their gender and age, and what your request for a gift for each child would be. The GSA will fill requests on a first come first served basis: $25 limit per child, per present. For families with more than one child a $50 overall limit will be applied. Please submit your requests NO LATER than Thursday December 9 (reading day). Gifts will be purchased and wrapped and then ready for pick up in the GSA office by Tuesday December 14 (or by appointment if you have exams that day). Send questions about this program to gsa@vt.edu or mmcleese@vt.edu.

9. TOYS FOR TOTS
Toys for Tots is a national organization, sponsored by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, that collects new toys and distributes them to needy children for Christmas. The GLC Fellows are excited to sponsor a Toys for Tots box in the GLC Lobby and hope to collect a lot of toys for children in the surrounding area. Drop off a new, unwrapped toy in the box in the GLC Lobby and help the Fellows make Christmas a little brighter for those in need. Toys can be dropped off until December 17. If you have questions, please contact Lauren Surface or 231-9561.

10. COMMENCEMENT NEWS: DVD SALES AND PORTRAIT OPPORTUNITY – 3rd posting

  • A DVD of the Fall 2010 Graduate Commencement Ceremony, to be held Dec 17, will be available from the University Bookstore for a limited time at a cost of $19.99. Click the Graduation button on the bookstore’s homepage for ordering information: www.bookstore.vt.edu. The commencement ceremony will be broadcast live on campus cable channels 3 and 4 starting at 2:30 pm.
  • Chappell Graduation Images will offer free portrait sittings on Thursday, Dec 16 at the Holtzman Alumni Center Library 9:00am-3:00pm. Graduates should wear their own cap and gown. You may wear as many accoutrements as you wish for the portrait sitting. Although a professional photographer has been commissioned, you will not be required to purchase photos. Chappell will mail your proofs to you approximately one week after the ceremony. No appointment is needed.

11. SUMMER STUDY ABROAD IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: GLOBALIZATION & POVERTY
Join this new summer study abroad program in the Dominican Republic in June 2011. The program includes 3 weeks of examining the impact of global tourism on communities in the Dominican Republic, as well as engaging in service learning projects working with community partners in informal urban settlements. Related topics that will be addressed will be urbanization, public and environmental health, and sustainable tourism.  This program is open to graduate students of all majors and is one of the least costly study abroad programs offered by Virginia Tech.  Please contact doctoral student Brendan Brink-Halloran for details.
 
12. FUNDRAISER FOR VT GRAD STUDENT ORGANIZATION: FOOTBALL RAFFLE
Are you looking for a great holiday gift for the football fan in your life? Buy a raffle ticket to win an autographed football signed by Coach Frank Beamer. Tickets are $5. All proceeds will benefit the VT Chapter of the National Organization for Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences. Posted on behalf of graduate student Keira Banks; contact her for more information.

13. PARTICIPATE IN MyVT SURVEY

Help improve MyVT: Please take 10-15 minutes to take a survey about how you use the MyVT portal and other resources at Virginia Tech.  The suggestions and feedback that you provide in this survey will have a direct impact on the future direction of MyVT.  Complete the survey here.

14. THANK YOU TO THOSE WHO TOOK THE SURVEY OF NEW GRADUATE ASSISTANTS

Thanks to everyone who too the New Grad Assistants survey earlier this semester. Sarah E. Greene in food science & technology won the $250 gift certificate lottery. If you participated in this first survey, you will be eligible to take a second follow-up survey next semester and to enter a second lottery. So, have a great holiday break and keep your eyes peeled next semester for the second survey and your next chance to win! If you have any questions, contact Gretchen Schaupp in the management department.

15. INVITATION TO PARTIPCIATE IN A SURVEY FOR A NEW TYPE OF BROWNIE – 2nd posting

You are invited to participate in a survey regarding demographics, consumption and purchasing habits, and interest in a new type of brownie product. The survey consists of 32 questions and requires approximately 15 minutes to complete. The information you provide in the survey will be used in the development of a new food product by the VT Food Science and Technology Product Development Team.  If you are interested in participating, please complete the survey here. Contact grad student Margo Duckson with any questions.

16. RESEARCH PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR TECHNOLOGY STUDY – 3rd posting
VT researchers are conducting a study to understand the effect of user’s mood on technology acceptance of Hi-fidelity and Lo-fidelity (quality) prototypes of a product concept. This study may show that the mood of the participant may discourage the development process of a certain product. The participants with a neutral mood state may provide an unbiased review of the product concept. Results may eventually help in improving the process of usability testing. There will no monetary compensation for this study, which will take only one session of about an hour or less. The study will take place in 530 Whittemore Hall. If you have any questions about the study or want to participate, contact Gurjot Singh Dhillon.

17. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR RESEARCH PROJECT: ImADiva – 3rd posting

ImADiva is a project designed to provide better understanding of how to increase physical activity for college black women. You may participate if you are a Black woman between the ages of 18-25, English speaking, enrolled in at least 3 credit hrs at VT, have no physician contraction towards physical activity, and are not pregnant or planning to become pregnant. This research is conducted through the Translational Obesity Research Program of the Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise. There is an opportunity to receive compensation for your participation! For more information or if interested in participating, please contact Kacie Allen.  An information session will be held on Wednesday, Dec 8, 6:00-7:15pm in GLC room G.

18. UPCOMING EVENTS:

BOOK SWAP IN THE GLC   
Thursday, Dec 16, 2:00-4:00pm, GLC Lobby
Don’t know what to read during the winter break? Curious about what other grads read (when not buried in professional journals, text books, and other course materials)? Bring a book and take a book (or more): stop by to browse the selection of books brought by others, and trade a book you have already read to one you might be interested in reading. Stop by even if you don’t have a book to trade! Chat with fellow grads about good books and enjoy some hot cider and other seasonal treats.