January 31-February 6, 2011

1. WEEKLY SERVICES IN THE GLC

  • Career services walk-in advising: Wednesdays, 1:30-5:00pm, GLC Study Room
  • Walk-in counseling: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, 1:00-5:00pm, Green Room (across from G)
  • Writing support: Thursdays, 1:00-6:00pm, Video Conference Room

2. GRADUATE HONOR SYSTEM PANELIST TRAINING
Tuesday, Feb 1, 6:00-7:00pm, Video Conference Room (39) in the GLC
Do you think upholding academic integrity at Virginia Tech is important? If so, then you may want to serve as a panelist for the Graduate Honor System.  The GHS is looking for both faculty and students to join a volunteer team of panelists who serve on investigative and judicial panels and may hold information sessions/orientations to academic departments about the GHS.  Learn more about the GHS. To become a panelist, you must attend a one hour training session.  The next two training sessions will be:

  • Monday, Feb 7,  8:00-9:00am, Video Conference Room (39) in the GLC
  • Wednesday, Feb 9,  12:00-1:00pm, Video Conference Room (39) in the GLC

Please complete this survey to indicate which training session you would attend:

3. SHORT COURSES IN STATISTICS FOR NON-STAT MAJORS: Basic Principles of Experimental Design
Tuesday, Feb 1, 4:00-6:00pm, Fralin Auditorium
Instructor: Dr. Chris Franck. Sound experimental design is of vital importance when conducting any scientific experiment.  Choices made at the design stage have the potential to drastically impact the results of any study. In this short course, basic elements of experimental design such as randomization, replication, and blocking will be discussed using real world experiments.  Basic and more advanced designs will be presented. The Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis (LISA) provides 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 LISA for instructions on how to register and to learn more. Refreshments are provided at the end of each short course. All courses are from 4:00-6:00pm in Fralin Auditorium, except Feb 7-8 in 3080 Torg.
The rest of Spring 2011 Schedule:

  • Monday & Tuesday, Feb 7-8: Using JMP for Statistical Analysis Parts I & II* (it is suggested though not required that you attend both sessions)
  • Tuesday, Feb 15: Regression
  • Monday & Tuesday, Feb 21-22: Intro to SAS* (these two sessions are the same)
  • Tuesday, Mar 1: Analyzing Non-Normal Data Using Generalized Linear Models
  • Monday & Tuesday, Mar 14-15: Bayesian Methods for Regression in R* (these two sessions are the same)

4. BLACK HISTORY MONTH: GRAD SCHOOL CONNECT LUNCHEON
Wednesday, Feb 2, 12-1:30pm, Room C in the GLC
This free luncheon offers an opportunity for students to gather to create relationships that foster community and have dialogue that celebrates Black History Month. Sponsored by the Graduate School’s Office of Recruitment and Diversity. For more information contact Jen MacDonald. Please register  to help organizers plan for the food.

5. DIALOGUE WITH THE DEAN I.
Wednesday, Feb 2, 5:30-7:00pm, GLC Room C
Sponsored by the Graduate Student Assembly, this event provides an opportunity to discuss graduate student life matters and university policy over dinner with Dean DePauw. Bring up issues that matter to you most! Space is limited, so please register here if you plan to attend: . Questions? Contact: Amanda Cronin Rumore, VP of Programs.

6. USING HOKIES4HIRE AND OTHER ELECTRONIC TOOLS IN YOUR JOB SEARCH
Wednesday, Feb 2, 5:30pm, GLC Room F
Hundreds of employers visit campus each year or search the resume database to recruit students for full-time, co-op and internship positions. Learn how to use the Hokies4Hire system in your job search.

7. LUNCH WITH THE DEAN
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. Sign up here.

8. GSA TFP/GRDP WORKSHOP
Thursday, Feb 3, 5:30-6:30pm, GLC Room B
If you are interested in applying for funding through GSA to travel to a conference/presentation or support your research project, attend this workshop to learn more about the application and review process. Presentations on both programs will be given, followed by a Q&A session.  Learn more about these programs at http://www.gsa.uusa.vt.edu/programs.  All questions should be directed to the TFP Chair, Courtney Gleason,  or GRDP Chair, Ranjana Mehta.

9. KIDS NIGHT OUT
Thursdays, 6:00-8:30pm, VT Women’s Ctr, 206 Washington St.
Kids Night Out, a drop-in evening of free childcare for kids aged 2-12, will resume on Thursday, Jan 27. This service is available throughout the semester (except spring break and university holidays), and is open to the children of any VT students. Kids must be toilet trained. Crafts, toys, games, new friends, and a snack await your child(ren)! If you have any questions, please contact Jessie Meltsner at jmelts@vt.edu, 231-7806.

10. GRADUATE SCHOLARS SOCIETY INFO MEETING AND LUNCH
Friday, Feb 4, 12:00pm, GLC Room B
Do you want to change the world?  Ever wonder what stirs someone’s curiosity?  Discuss these and other topics with your fellow graduate students and some faculty members involved in the Graduate Scholar Society (GSS). During this info session you can learn more about the GSS and the topics of discussion for the spring semester. Lunch will be provided. Learn more about GSS. Please register for one of the discussion groups and/or the info session at:

11. GRAD STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS FAIR
Friday, Feb 4, 3:00-5:00pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
Learn how to get involved in graduate student organizations and find the right organization for yourself: meet and mingle with leaders and members, see what’s out there, or, if you don’t find a good match, form your own organization based on the specific interest(s) you may have.  Refreshments will be provided. After the org fair, stay on for the welcome back social that will take place in the same room.

12. WELCOME BACK SOCIAL
Friday, Feb 4, 5:00-7:00pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
To kick off the new semester, the GLC Resident Fellows invite you to the Spring 
2011 welcome back social for graduate students. Enjoy free BBQ and veggie sandwiches, snacks, music, games, door prizes and more. Meet fellow graduate students and learn about events happening around campus. Sponsored by the GLC Resident Fellows, your advocates and program organizers in the GLC.

13. SUPER BOWL PARTY

Sunday, Feb 6, 6:00pm, GLC Student Lounge
Whether you’re a die-hard football fan or want to learn more about American football, come out and watch the big game with your fellow graduate students. It can’t be a super bowl party without buffalo wings, so there will be free wings from Buffalo Wild Wings, along with other snacks and drinks. For more information, contact Eric Hodges. This event is sponsored by your GLC Resident Fellows.

14. TRAVEL FUND AND GRADUATE RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN
The GSA’S Travel Fund (TFP) and Graduate Research Development Programs are competitive travel and research funding (reimbursement) opportunities administered by the GSA to support qualified travel and research and innovative ideas proposed by VT graduate students. Applications go through a rigorous review process. Visit the GSA website  to learn more about these opportunities. All questions should be directed to the TFP Chair, Courtney Gleason,  or GRDP Chair, Ranjana Mehta.

15. ON-LINE HEALTH NEWS COMING TO YOU FROM SCHIFFERT STUDENT HEALTH CTR
The Schiffert Health Center invites you to follow student health news online through their new newsletter, Student Health 101. Check it out!

16. STUDENT CONDUCT OFFICE SEEING STUDENT LEADERS
Student Conduct is currently looking for qualified students to serve on the 2011-2012 Student Conduct Committee, a panel of students who determine if an accused studentorganization is responsible for a non-academic policy violation and if so, determine sanctions. Students are encouraged to apply if they are responsible, open minded, professional, mature, a team player, and able to deal with ambiguity. Applicants should also have a positive attitude, solid problem solving skills, integrity, and understanding and appreciation of the VT Principles of Community, the student population and institutional culture. Applications are available online. For more information, visit www.studentconduct.vt.edu or call 231-3790. Candidates must complete and return an application to Student Conduct no later than 5:00 pm on Friday, Feb 25, 2011.

17. GRAD BOV REP APPLICATIONS NOW ACCEPTED – 3rd posting
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 www.bov.vt.edu and http://www.bovgradrep.grads.vt.edu/. For application details and materials, please e-mail Deepu George, or download it.

18. CALL FOR NOMINATIONS FOR GRADUATE STUDENT AWARDS 2011 –last posting
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 (1) math, sciences and engineering, and (2) 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 online.
  Nomination/Application deadline is February 4, 2011.

19. GLC RESIDENT FELLOW POSITIONS OPEN FOR 2011-12 – 2nd posting
Residence Life and the Graduate School are seeking motivated graduate students to live in the GLC and take on Residence Life and programming duties. An ideal candidate would have previous Residence Life and/or event planning experience. Compensation includes a free room in the GLC, a monthly stipend and a partial tuition waiver. Application materials must be turned in to the Graduate Student Services office (110 GLC – Lauren Surface) by 5:00PM on Friday, Feb 18, 2011.  For more information, contact Katie Martin at 231-5691, or Lauren Surface at 231-9561, lkeister@vt.edu. Download the application.

20. WAGE POSITION OPENING – 2nd posting
Dr. Matusovich in the Department of Engineering Education is looking for help transcribing interviews from three on-going projects. Wage rate: $11/hr.  Work can be done remotely and requires access to a computer with internet access and MS Word, and a private location or the use of headphones such that no one else can hear the files being transcribed. Schedule and hours are flexible. Work in early Feb will be light (approx. 5 hrs/week); work from late Feb through Jun will be about 10-15 hrs/week for 2-3 transcribers. Previous transcription experience (either interviews or focus groups) is preferred but not required.  Any hired transcribers must sign a confidentiality agreement. To apply, please email Dr. Matusovich, matushm@vt.edu, by Jan 31.  Please indicate any previous experience you have, approximate hrs/week you would be interested in working and the rough timeline (now through June) you would be available.

21. REGISTRATION OPEN FOR SPRING ’11 WOMEN WELLNESS SESSIONS
Registration is now open for the Spring 2011 Women and Wellness sessions, which offer an array of wellness programs for staff, faculty and students. The Wellness Project is a collaborative effort of the Women’s Center, the Graduate Student Assembly and the Graduate School. Registration is required for all events. Registration closes Feb 8. For more information and to register for a session, please visit the Women’s Center website or contact the Women’s Center Program Coordinator at sharbari@vt.edu or 231-7806.

22. LEADERSHIP TECH FACILITATORS SOUGHT – 1st posting
The Department of Student Activities seeks graduate students to volunteer to be small group facilitators for an undergraduate leadership development program.  If you are interested in leadership development and would like to meet and interact with undergraduate students outside the classroom, this might be the opportunity for you. Facilitators work in teams of two or three to guide a group of 10-15 sophomore and/or junior students organized around one of the following issues: engaging leadership; society & environmental sustainability; health and wellness; multicultural communities; and global social change. Information session will be held on:
– Monday, Feb 7, 5:30-6:30pm, 342 Squires
– Thursday, Feb 10, 6:00-7:00pm, 342 Squires
If you have any questions, please  contact Allison Dunn at adunn@vt.edu.

23. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR DRIVING EXPERIMENT – 1st posting
The VT Transportation Institute (VTTI) is looking for participants for a transportation technology study. Participants will be asked to drive a VTTI vehicle during peak hour traffic around the New River Valley for 20 sessions. The first session will be approximately 90-105 minutes and participants will be paid $30. Each other session will be around 60-75 minutes and participants will be paid $20 per session. After the completion of all 20 sessions, participants will fill in a post-runs questionnaire and receive a bonus $50. If you have a valid driver’s license, your age is 18-33 or 55-75, and you wish to participate, please email Aly Tawfik at tawfik@vt.edu, or call 231-1509.

24. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR RESEARCH STUDY – 2nd posting
Volunteers needed for a study examining how diet influences muscle metabolism. Participants must be: Between the ages of 18-40; not currently taking any medications; non-smokers; without any major medical problems; willing to eat a high fat diet for 5 days. Participants will receive extensive health information and may receive up to $150 to compensate for their time.  If you meet the above requirements and are interested in participating in this study, contact John Pownall at the Human Integrative Physiology Laboratory at Virginia Tech at 231-8299, heartlab@vt.edu.

25. SOFTWARE DEVELOPERS SOUGHT FOR STUDY – 2nd posting
VT researchers are conducting a study to identify how information systems development team members define success. Anyone with software development experience is sought to participate. The survey is estimated to take about 30 minutes to complete.  The information you provide will be used to develop the Theoretical Model of Information Systems Development Success.  If you are interested in participating, please complete the questionnaire. Contact Lucian Zelazny at lzelazny@vt.edu with any questions.

26. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR BIOMECHANICS STUDY – 3rd 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 at nima3188@vt.edu.

27. RESEARCH SUBJECTS WANTED FOR HNFE STUDY – 3rd 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 vthnfe@gmail.com for more information.

28. UPCOMING EVENTS:

ADVANCE-VT GRAD STUDENT LUNCH SEMINAR: NEGOTIATING FACULTY JOB OFFERS
Tuesday, February 8, 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m., GLC G
Negotiating a faculty job offer is a unique process.  Learn from experienced panelists about what to expect and the types of resources and benefits that may be negotiable. Speakers for this event are Dr. Ken Ball, L.S. Randolph Professor and Department Head, Mechanical Engineering, and Beate Schmittmann, Professor and Department Chair, Physics.  AdvanceVT Graduate Student Lunch Seminars are designed to help graduate students prepare for careers in academe.  All graduate students and postdocs are welcome, and lunch is provided.  Register by February 3.

EFFECTIVE READING WORKSHOP

Thursday, Feb 10, 7:00pm, GLC Room F
Educational researchers estimate that at best we retain only about 10 percent of the information that we read. Want to improve on that estimate in your academic reading? This workshop will describe how one can read more actively and purposely in order to locate needed information, increase comprehension of that information, and boast retention of it for later use.

LATEX WORKSHOP
Friday, Feb 11, 6:00pm, Room B in the GLC
This workshop is designed to give an introduction to the world of LaTeX, a type-setting program for creating professional scientific documents. It will cover the different compilers and front-ends, where to obtain them, how to install them and how to create a basic document (document classes, the basic preamble, basic environments and sectioning). The presentation will leave time for a Q&A session. Please register if you are interested in attending. If you have any questions, please contact Shahram Amini at shahram@vt.edu.

GRAD STUDENT SPEED-DATING
Friday, Feb 11, 7:00-10:00pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
Want to meet and mingle with other single VT graduate students? Need to show mom you are at least trying to meet someone? The VT Graduate Student Assembly is hosting its annual speed dating event where you will have the chance to go on at least 10 “speed-dates” and maybe even meet “The One”! The event is FREE and includes drinks and hors d’oeuvres. Registration is HIGHLY encouraged but walk-ins are also welcome (if space is available). The dress code is "date-appropriate" clothing (no jeans/t-shirts). Your contact information will NOT be displayed or shared unless you give written permission at the end of the event. Please direct any questions to Amanda Rumore, VP of Programs, arumore@vt.edu.