February 14-20, 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. AAUW: “POWERFUL PRESENCE” BROWNBAG LUNCH
Tuesday, Feb 15, 12:00-1:00pm, GLC Room C
Join the newly formed VT chapter of American Association of University Women as they launch their new Blacksburg branch.  Dr. Christine Fiori will lead a session on “Intuition –  Learning to Connect to the Powerful Voice Within.” Come explore simple and effective ways to reconnect to your intuition. For more information, please contact  Trish Connor at pmcon51@vt.edu. Visit the new AAUW chapter’s Facebook page.

3. 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.

4. SHORT COURSES IN STATISTICS FOR NON-STAT MAJORS: REGRESSION
Tuesday, Feb 15, 4:00-6:00pm, Fralin Auditorium
Instructor: Jennifer Kensler. This short course provides an introduction to simple linear regression, multiple linear regression, and regression with categorical variables. These techniques will be demonstrated using JMP. JMP is available for free download to VT students. Participants may want to bring a laptop with JMP installed. 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.
The rest of Spring 2011 Schedule:
– 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)

5. CAREER FAIR PREPARATION FOR GRADS
Wednesday, Feb 16, 5:30pm in Room F
Employers are interested in talking with graduate students, especially at the master’s level. Do you know how to present yourself to an employer at a job fair? What to ask? What they’ll expect? Attend this seminar and learn a few tricks. Visit Career Services to find out about upcoming job fairs.

6. 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.

7. FREE TAX ASSISTANCE FOR INCOME ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEES
Wednesdays by appointment
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 the Work//Life office website for details. 

8. 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>>. 

9. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR MINDFULNESS STUDY – 1st posting
Participants are sought for a mindfulness study aimed at increasing cardio-respiratory fitness in sedentary adults. Participants must be in good health (e.g. non-smoker, no history of diabetes, heart, liver, or pulmonary disease, no orthopedic injury or musculoskeletal disability), between the ages 18-64, and NOT engage in any regular physical activity (but willing to start!). Participation will involve weekly group workshop sessions over a 10-week period.  These workshops will use mindfulness practices to help increase your adherence to a fitness-based walking program. For more information, please call Emily Martin, MS at the Center for Research in Health Behavior with the Department of Psychology at Virginia Tech, 231-8746 or email.

10. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR BIOMECHANICS STUDY – 1st posting
Participants are needed for a study investigating the effects of job rotation on muscle fatigue and performance. The study consists of 6 separate experimental sessions (each lasting 2 hours) and one screening session. Participants will be compensated $10/hour with a $10 bonus after completing all sessions. Requirements: female, age 18-25, low body fat, right handed, 20/20 vision (corrected okay), no recent history of musculoskeletal disorders, and exercise 2-3 times per week (including weight lifting). If interested, please contact Leanna Horton.

11. GET INVOLVED WITH LEANTEAM@VIRGINIATECH

LeanTeam@VirginiaTech is recruiting and developing high performing, keen to learn to be lean students from across disciplines. You will get the chance to develop and run Lean workshops and summits for professionals from a broad range of organizations, participate in continuous improvement events, and undertake fun team events. If this is what you always wanted, then  contact the LeanTeam by email, or phone at 540-443-6688. You can learn more here.

12. GSA 27TH ANNUAL RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM: (RE)SEARCH: WHY IT MATTERS!
There are plenty of opportunities for you to get involved with the GSA Research Symposium:
1. Submit an abstract: Feb 11-Feb 25
2. Volunteer to review abstract submissions by completing this survey
3. Help the GSA recruit faculty judges for the event by completing this survey
The time commitment is low compared to the potential to share your prestigious research, win prize money within your category, and add a line to your CV for volunteering some of your time. Please contact Samantha Downey  with any questions. 

13. APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH HONOR SOCIETY
After a semester of continuous work, a group of VT graduate students are officially launching the nation’s first chapter of the Interdisciplinary Research Honor Society, Iota Delta Rho. Membership applications are now being accepted, and everyone pursuing interdisciplinary research is strongly encouraged to apply. Download application documents and instructions. Applications are due by Friday, Feb 18, via email to Tammy E. Parece at tammyep@vt.edu. For further information about Iota Delta Rho, please check the website.

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  (TFP) or  (GRDP) to learn more about these opportunities. All questions should be directed to the TFP Chair, Courtney Gleason, or GRDP Chair, Ranjana Mehta.

15. STUDENT CONDUCT OFFICE SEEKING STUDENT LEADERS – 3rd 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.

16. GRA OPENING FOR SPRING 2011-2012 – 2nd posting
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 at 231.2270. This position will remain open until filled.

17. GOVERNOR’S FELLOWS PROGRAM ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS NOW – 2nd and final posting
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 >>.

18. GLC RESIDENT FELLOW POSITIONS OPEN FOR 2011-12 – final 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, ktgreen@vt.edu or Lauren Surface at 231-9561, lkeister@vt.edu. Download the application.

19. UPCOMING EVENTS:

VT GRADUATION FAIR

Wednesday, Feb 23, 11:30am-7:30pm, Holtzman Alumni Center
Get all your graduation needs at this fair, from caps and gowns, diploma frames to graduation announcements. Take a tour of the Holtzman Alumni Center and learn about all the programs and services that the Virginia Tech Alumni Association has to offer. Learn more about this program at http://www.alumni.vt.edu/gradfair. The Alumni Association also offers post-graduation trips: http://www.alumni.vt.edu/gradtrip.

LEARN TURKISH AT VT
Starting Thursday, Feb 24, 6:00pm, Cranwell International Center
Experienced teachers are offering Turkish language classes – brought to you by the Intercultural Understanding Club, a graduate student organization. You don’t need to know any Turkish to start Turkish classes. The Intercultural Understanding Club offers Turkish courses from elementary to advanced levels. Spring program: One hour-long class per week, four classes in a month. For registration and questions, contact Haktan Suren, hsuren@vt.edu

GRAD STUDENT PREVIEW EVENT IN ENGINEERING EDUCATION

Thursday-Friday, Feb 24-25
The Department of Engineering Education invites prospective doctoral students for its preview event. Participants will have the opportunity to meet current graduate students and faculty, attend a weekly research seminar, and learn about the program curriculum, application processes, and research opportunities. Please direct questions to Whitney Hoskins, Graduate Coordinator, at whoskins@vt.edu or 540/231-7359."

COMMUNITY VOICES: SPEAKERS WORTH HEARING
Thursday, Feb 24, 4:00pm, Lyric Theatre
Graduate students are invited to the first Community Voices presentation by Anthony Flaccavento, recipient of The Ford Foundation Leadership for a Changing World Award. Anthony will talk about "Economies, Community and Love: Renewing the American Dream from the Ground Up." The speaker will discuss how locally-led economies, resilient communities and love could provide the foundation for this new vision.  He is an organic farmer who was recognized by the Kellogg Foundation with a Fellowship on National Food and Society Policy. If you have any questions about this event, contact Brendan Brink-Halloran at bbrink42@vt.edu.

REGISTER NOW FOR CANCER RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM

Friday, Apr 29, 9:00am-5:00pm
The Cancer Research Symposium serves as the first interdisciplinary cancer symposium at VT, providing an opportunity for faculty and graduate students to showcase their research. Invited speakers include leaders in the field of cancer research. There will be a poster session (lunch provided), which is open to graduate students involved in cancer research. The symposium will also include a survivors and advocates panel to allow the researchers to see the impact of their work. If interested, please register by March 15 (registration is free).