February 7-13, 2011

1.  WEEKLY SERVICES IN THE GLC

  • Career services walk-in advising: not available in the GLC for rest of Spring 2011; please visit the Career Services Center on weekdays 12:00-3:00pm
  • 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. SHORT COURSES IN STATISTICS FOR NON-STAT MAJORS: Using JMP for Statistical Analysis Parts I & II*
Monday & Tuesday, Feb 7-8, 4:00-6:00pm, 3080 TORG
(it is suggested though not required that you attend both sessions)
Instructor: Wandi Huang. This two-session short course is designed for students and researchers who want to use JMP to perform the basic statistical analyses: exploratory data analysis (EDA), t-tests, analysis of variance (ANOVA), linear regression, and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). The second session will cover how to design and analyze experiments in JMP, and other more advanced topics.
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. See 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. The rest of Spring 2011 schedule:

  • 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)

3. 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 here by February 3.

4. WRITING A WINNING RESUME
Tuesday, Feb 8, 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. This seminar was rescheduled from Jan 26.

5. FREE TAX ASSISTANCE FOR INCOME ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEES
Free tax assistance is available to eligible employees, including graduate assistants, by appointment every Wednesday afternoon through Apr 13. International student taxes are beyond the scope of this service, but tax software for international students is available through the Cranwell International Center. Visit VT’s Work-Life website for details. 

6. 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, 231-7806.

7. 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.

8. 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 here if you are interested in attending. This workshop is presented by Darren Maczka, ECE doctoral student.

9. 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.  

10. GRADUATE SCHOLARS SOCIETY REGISTRATION STILL OPEN

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 at http://gss.grads.vt.edu/. Please register for one of the discussion groups.

11. SPRING 2011 ART, PHOTO & WRITING CONTEST: FOOD GLORIOUS FOOD
The Graduate School invites submissions of food-themed art work, photography and as a new addition, written work, by graduate students for display in the GLC during Graduate Education Week 2011 and beyond. Submissions are limited to three pieces (art, photography, or written work) per graduate student. Submissions may depict anything related to food, including but not limited to growing, preparing, experimenting with, missing, consuming, sharing, and enjoying food. Submission deadline: Mar 16, 2011. Read more>> .

12. 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’s TFP site or their GRDP site to learn more about these opportunities. All questions should be directed to the TFP Chair, Courtney Gleason,  or GRDP Chair, Ranjana Mehta.

13. STUDENT CONDUCT OFFICE SEEKING STUDENT LEADERS – 2nd posting
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 at www.studentconduct.vt.edu. 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.

14. GRA OPENING FOR SPRING 2011-2012
Graduate Research Assistant is sought for Virginia Broadband Mapping and Planning project, funded by the Department of Commerce, National Telecommunications and Information Administration and managed by VT eCorridors and the Center for Geospatial Information Technology. The GRA will inventory, analyze, and model various aspects of statewide broadband infrastructure; participate in the research, development and maintenance of a comprehensive statewide data library that represents broadband availability, affordability and quality of service in Virginia through the use of existing data/base maps, supplemental data from private/public sector providers, third-party (independent) data collection and verification, survey research methods, and self-reporting Internet speed testing and mapping tools. Requirements: good organizational and communication skills and attention to detail. Preferred qualifications: experience with GIS software, data collection and management, and map preparation. Interested students, or their faculty advisors, should contact Jean Plymale by email or at 231.2270. This position will remain open until filled.

15. GOVERNOR’S FELLOWS PROGRAM ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS NOW

This program offers an opportunity to experience first-hand the administration of state government in Virginia. Qualified applicants must be college seniors or enrolled as degree-seeking graduate students in a VA university and have a demonstrated commitment to excellence in academics, proven leadership ability, and involvement in extracurricular activities and community service. The program runs Jun 6-Aug 5, 2011. The VP for Student Affairs offers a $2,000 stipend to any VT student who is selected for this fellowship. Application deadline: Feb 15. Learn more.

16. GLC RESIDENT FELLOW POSITIONS OPEN FOR 2011-12 – 3rd 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, 231-5691,  or Lauren Surface at 231-9561. Download the application here.

17. 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, 231-7806.

18. LEADERSHIP TECH FACILITATORS SOUGHT – 2nd 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.

19. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR DRIVING EXPERIMENT – 2nd 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, or call 231-1509.

20. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR RESEARCH STUDY – 3rd 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.

21. SOFTWARE DEVELOPERS SOUGHT FOR STUDY – 3rd 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 with any questions.

22. UPCOMING EVENTS:

FIWGSA PRESENTS: TREES, ADELGIDS, DEER, RODENTS, FUNGI, AND PIGS – THE ANATOMY OF A PATAGONIAN INVASION
Tuesday, Feb 15, 3:30pm, Brush Mountain A, Squires
The Fisheries and Wildlife Graduate Student Association invites you to the seminar of Dr. Dan Simberloff. Arrive early for good seating. For more information on Dr. Simberloff and his research, please visit his website. Contact Dan Stich with questions or helpful suggestions.

ETD WORKSHOP SERIES: COPYRIGHT
Wednesday, Feb 16, 7:00-8:00pm, GLC Room G
Gail McMillan of University Libraries will discuss copyright, permissions and representing other author’s works in your ETD. This workshop series is brought to you by the Graduate School. For more information contact Janice Austin.