January 18-23, 2011

1. WINTER BREAK 2010 IN PHOTOS
Visit the GLC to see photos depicting how your fellow graduate students spent their winter break, or view the photos online on the Grad School’s Facebook page. Thanks to all the students who submitted photos!

2. 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!

3. 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.

4. REGISTER NOW FOR FIN 5284: FREE MARKETS AND INDIVIDUAL FREEDOM
This is a general-interest no-prerequisites course for graduate students who seek exposure to various viewpoints on the role that free markets can and do play in promoting individual freedoms and enhancing social welfare. The course explores the strengths and weaknesses of capitalism by critically evaluating the relationship between the economic efficiency achieved by capitalism and the attainment of social welfare objectives. The course also examines the economic and social welfare implications of current issues that could include globalization, price controls, income inequality, outsourcing, corporate pricing power through monopoly/oligopoly, and government regulation of the economy. Instructor: Dr. Douglas Patterson. Contact the finance department in 1016 Pamplin (231-5904) if you wish to force-add the course.

5. PAYROLL DEDUCTION OF COMP FEES FOR GRADUATE ASSISTANTS
It is not too late to enroll in payroll deduction of your comp fees if you are on a graduate assistantship! Graduate students on assistantship appointment may pay their comprehensive, technology and capital fees through payroll deduction during the fall and spring semesters. To be eligible for this program, students must commit to paying the full-time comprehensive, technology and capital fees through payroll deduction. Enrollment is managed through Hokie SPA and students must sign up _each_ semester in which they wish to take advantage of this opportunity. Learn more>>.

6. GRAD BOV REP APPLICATIONS NOW ACCEPTED

Application for the 2011-2012 graduate representative to the Board of Visitors is now open for graduate students. The Board of Visitors, appointed by the Governor of Virginia, is the official governing body of Virginia Tech. Every year, a graduate student representative sits on the board as a non-voting member to represent graduate student issues to the university’s highest decision making body. For more information on the position and the board, please visit the BOV website and the homepage of the BOV grad rep.  For application details and materials, please e-mail Deepu George at georgedv@vt.edu, or download it .

7. 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. Nomination/Application deadline is February 4, 2011.

8. 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 nominate a graduate student here.

9. GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIP OPENING FOR SPRING 2011- 2nd posting
University ADA Services is seeking a graduate assistant for spring 2011. Position may be renewed for next year, so candidates not graduating in May 2011 and candidates with interest or experience in disability services will enjoy preference in the screening process. 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 adainfo@vt.edu. Application review to begin immediately, position open until filled.  

10. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR BIOMECHANICS STUDY – 1st posting
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 five separate experimental sessions (each lasting approx. 1 hour) and one screening session. Participants will be compensated $10/hour.  To qualify, you must be female between 18-29, and do exercise regularly at least 2-3 times per week. For more information or to inquire about participation, please contact Nima.

11. RESEARCH SUBJECTS WANTED FOR HNFE STUDY – 1st posting
Participants are sought for a study to determine whether daily consumption of corn oil/omega-3 fat will influence muscle soreness, damage and inflammation that occurs after weight training. Must consume supplement for 45 days, perform strenuous weight training bout, go through several weeks of weight training program developed by the researchers, and provide seven blood samples over 45 days. Eligibility: must be healthy males (non-smokers, no orthopedic limitations to exercise; no chronic health conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, bleeding, or inflammatory diseases); 18-28; schedule compatible with testing and training. Benefits:  development of personal weight training program by experienced professionals, financial compensation up to $175. If interested, contact HNFE for more information.

12. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR OBESITY-RELATED RESEARCH STUDY – 1st posting
Did you know that very little obesity-related research has been done with Black women, even though they are more prone to obesity, Type II diabetes, and are less physically active? It is not too late to help the Black community by participating in the IMA DIVA research study. The purpose of this study is to increase physical activity in Black female VT students, ages 18-25.  There will be information sessions on Wednesday, Jan 19, 6-7pm in GLC Room D and Thursday, Jan 20, 6-8pm in Slusher Tree Lounge on the 1st floor of Slusher Tower.  Even if you cannot attend one of the information sessions you can still join the program.  All informed consents and demographic screeners are due by Jan 21.  Feel free to contact Kacie Allen with any questions. 

13. STUDY PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT – 2nd 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.

14. VOLUNTEER CULTURE TUTORS SOUGHT

Graduate student Xiaochen Zhang, instructor of an undergraduate course (HUM1924 Modern Asian Culture), is looking for Culture Tutors (CTs) to help undergraduates in the course explore Modern Asian Culture. Graduate students who are from Asia and are enrolled on the Blacksburg campus for the fall semester are encouraged to apply for the position. CTs will be invited to one session in the semester and to interact with students. CTs are welcome to assist the course instructor advise the groups that will research the CTs’ own cultures. The course instructor will meet with the CTs in the second or the third week of the semester for a Q&A session. If you are interested, please complete this survey. If you have any questions, contact Xiaochen Zhang.

15. EBONY AFFAIR TICKETS ON SALE – 2nd posting
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 at klking@vt.edu.

16. EBONY AFFAIR DIVERSITY AWARD NOMINATIONS – 2nd posting
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. Nominate online. For more information contact Kenya King at klking@vt.edu.

17. UPCOMING EVENTS:

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
Sign up for lunch on February 3

GSA DELEGATE MEETING
Tuesday, Jan 25, 5:30-7:00pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
Not sure what the GSA does? Want to join? Ready to get back into the swing of pertinent graduate student issues? Then join new and returning graduate students  to get a better understanding of governance at VT, join committees/groups that are working on graduate student issues ranging from fees and health care, to child care, and be exposed to the great programming GSA has planned for the Spring semester. Dinner provided. Email the GSA  with any questions.

WRITING A WINNING RESUME

Wednesday, Jan 26, 5:30pm, GLC Room F
If you are planning an industry, government, or non-tenure track educational job search, having a well polished resume is the most critical step toward getting an interview. Learn how to present yourself most effectively on paper to prospective employers.

GSA WELCOME BACK HAPPY HOUR

Friday, Jan 28, 5:00-7:00pm, GLC Student Lounge
Come out to GSA’s first happy hour of the semester! The cost is $5.00 per person (cash) at the door for 2 beers and snacks ($2 for snacks only). There will be a “beer tasting” menu as well. All graduate students, post-docs, and faculty members are welcome. Must be 21 and over to attend; valid I.D. required for entry. Please direct any questions to Amanda Cronin Rumore.

SVSDS 80’S NIGHT SWING DANCE
Friday, Jan 28, 7:30-8:30pm (lessons), 8:30pm-12:00am (dance), Y Ctr, 1000 N Main
SVSDS and Solely Swing are inviting all graduate students to attend this fun dance event with an 80’s theme.  Admission: Free if this is your first time to SVSDS, $3 for SVSDS members, $5 for nonmembers. This message is posted on behalf of grad student Matthew Bays.