January 10-17, 2011

1. WINTER 2010 PHOTO CHALLENGE ENDS 1/14
Winter break through the eyes of graduate students: 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.

2. WELCOME BACK POTLUCK LUNCH
Friday, Jan 14, 12:00-1:30pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
Sponsored by VT graduate student organizations: GSA, BGSO, ISA, ISVT, LAIGSA. Come and meet you graduate student organizations over a potluck lunch! All food and drinks will be provided. Questions? Contact Amanda Cronin Rumore at arumore@vt.edu.

3. NEW GRADUATE STUDENT ORIENTATION

Friday, Jan 14, 1:00pm, GLC Room F
This is our welcome event for new students, filled with valuable information to help you get started in your graduate studies at Virginia Tech. Meet the Graduate School Dean, members of the Graduate School and the Graduate Student Assembly. Learn what is expected from students and faculty and gain helpful tips for a successful graduate career.

4. REGISTER NOW FOR GRAD 5304: PREPARING THE FUTURE CAREER PROFESSIONAL
Wednesdays, 10:00-12:30 in GLC
Instructors:  K. DePauw, J. Rankin, T. Cousins (CEE)
This course has been developed to provide graduate students with knowledge, skills and abilities to prepare for employment in industry, business, government, research development and non-profit worlds. Topics will include communication, collaboration/teamwork, motivation, workplace and community ethics, leadership, building relationships, starting a business, managing change, writing a resume and cover letter, and much more.

5. 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 to nominate a graduate student  here.

6. CALL FOR NOMINATIONS FOR GRADUATE STUDENT AWARDS 2011

A number of prestigious awards are granted to graduate students each year, carrying a monetary prize ($500-$1000 each) and award certificate. Consider applying or discuss the possibility of your nomination by your advisor/department for any of the following awards that will be given out during our annual awards banquet on March 24, 2011:

  • Outstanding Dissertation in (a) math, sciences and engineering, and (b) in social sciences and humanities
  • Graduate Student Teaching Excellence
  • Graduate Student Service Excellence
  • Graduate Man and Woman of the Year
  • Outstanding master’s and doctoral student in each college

Additional information on the specifics and requirements for each award can be found on the Graduate School’s honors and awards page.  Nomination/Application deadline is February 4, 2011.

7. GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIP OPENING FOR SPRING 2011 – 1st posting
The Office of Equity and Access is seeking a graduate assistant for spring 2011. Position may be renewed for next year. GA duties include: coordination of workshops and conferences on accessibility and other ADA-related topics; maintenance and distribution of compliance documents; assistance to visitors needing accommodations; coordination and implementation of physical access projects; review and writing of reports; review of policies and procedures; preparation of research and information for ADA website; technical assistance to facilities personnel; contributions to ADA Today newsletter and other duties assigned. If interested, send resume and cover letter or inquiries to Sandra Ratliff, sdr@vt.edu. Application review to begin immediately, position open until filled. 

8. GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIP POSITION AVAILABLE FOR 2011-12 – 3rd posting
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) (http://www.oired.vt.edu/ipmcrsp/) 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.  See this site for further information.

9. STUDY PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT – 1st posting
Participants are sought for a study to compare navigation techniques in 3D immersive virtual environments. 60 students will take part in the experiment to evaluate a navigation technique in an immersive virtual environment (i.e. CAVE). Participants will navigate the virtual maze with either a traditional interface (i.e. joystick or a wand device) or a new interface (in which you use your own body). Due to the tasks that may require some physical activities, participants should not have any difficulty with moving their body (head, arm/hand/finger and leg/foot), including turning upper body. The experiment will take approximately 90 minutes, including filling out questionnaires and taking short breaks. Must be over 17. Location: CAVE lab (3050 Torgersen Hall). See time table for available dates and times. If you are interested or have any further questions, please email hideaway@vt.edu. Feel free to forward this email to your friends.

10. EBONY AFFAIR TICKETS ON SALE
Saturday, Feb 19, 7:00pm, Custom Catering Center
The 14th Annual Ebony Affair: "Reflections of Our Legacy: Honoring
Torchbearers of the Past Present and Future" will take place in February, but early bird tickets are on sale now for $10. The ticket price will go up to $15
soon! Price includes dinner, program, social hour, red carpet photo-ops and gift bag.  Tickets may be purchased online. For more information contact Kenya King.

11. EBONY AFFAIR DIVERSITY AWARD NOMINATIONS
Have you or someone at Virginia Tech or in the NRV community exemplified support for diversity, acceptance, positivity to you? If yes, nominate them (or yourself) for The Ebony Affairs’ Annual Diversity Award. Awards are available to VT graduate students, undergraduates, faculty/staff members, and members of the community. Submit your nomination online. For more information contact Kenya King.

12. UPCOMING EVENTS:

MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY
Monday, Jan 17
No classes, GLC is closed.

COFFEE AND CONVERSATION
Wednesday, Jan 19 and 27, 5:00-6:00pm, GLC Student Lounge
Meet other graduate students and enjoy refreshments and good conversation along with graduate student leaders who will answer any questions on your mind. Although this event is primarily targeted to new students, returning students are welcome as well!

LUNCH WITH THE DEAN
Tuesday, Jan 25 and Thursday, Feb 3, 12:00-1:00pm, GLC Room C
Meet Graduate School Dean Dr. Karen DePauw and several graduate student leaders at this free lunch and learn about the latest in graduate education. Share your perspectives in a casual setting. Please only sign up for one of the sessions:
Sign up for lunch on January 25 here.
Sign up for lunch on February 3 here.