March 21-27, 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/consultations: Thursdays, 1:00-6:00pm, Video Conference Room (don’t wait until your paper is due, get assistance now!)

2. REAL COFFEE BREAK IN THE VIRTUAL GLC
Monday, Mar 21, 1:30-3:00pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
Get some fresh coffee for real and take your avatar for a walk around the virtual GLC. This free demo is brought to you by Learning Technology’s Innovation Space. Be among the first ones to try it! Brought to you by Learning Technology’s Innovation Space, a division of Information Technology.

3. GET PLUGGED IN!
Monday, Mar 21, 4:00-6:00pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
Many organizations and services on campus are here to help you get through graduate school. Get plugged into these resources and enjoy some free pizza and raffle prizes.

4. WORLD WATER DAY CELEBRATION AND FOOD SALE
Tuesday, Mar 22, 11:00am-3:00pm, Drillfield
The American Water Resources Association VT student chapter, led by graduate student Courtney Reijo, will be selling pizza, baked goods, and drinks on the Drillfield to raise funds for Amman Imman, a nonprofit organization that works to provide sources of safe-drinking water to communities in West Africa. Try your hand at the "Tap Water Challenge" and see if you can really tell the difference between popular bottled water and VT tap water!  Buy lunch, celebrate World Water Day, and help provide safe drinking water in Africa! For more information contact Courtney.

5. LOUNGE AT THE LIBRARY

Tuesday, Mar 22, 12:00pm, 416 Newman Library
Take advantage of this exclusive access space for grad students and meet with subject librarians over for a light lunch.

6. CAREER BOOSTER SPECIALS
Tuesday, Mar 22, 12:00-5:00pm, Smith Career Center
Career Services offers these special opportunities to celebrate Grad Ed Week:
– 12:00-3:00pm walk-in advising for grads
– 2:00-3:00pm two separate panels will help you with tricks of the trade in academic or industry job searches
– 3:00-5:00pm mix and mingle with faculty and employers to practice your networking skills

7. MOVIE NIGHT AT THE LYRIC: BLUE VALENTINE

Tuesday, Mar 22, 7:00 and 9:15pm, Lyric Theatre
Enjoy a night at the movies, compliments of the Graduate School and The Lyric Theatre. Pick up your free ticket at the GLC Information Desk or in 110 GLC (and vote on your favorite photos, art or writing, while you are at it).

8. REMOVING THE MYSTERY OF THE ETD REVIEW
Tuesday, Mar 22, 7:00pm, GLC Room F
Learn what happens to your ETD after you submit it to the Graduate School: what  items will be checked, timeline of the submission process, corrections, and final approval.

9. GSA RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM AND EXPOSITION

Wednesday, Mar 23, 9:00am-4:00pm, GLC Multipurpose Room and meeting rooms
Stop by to see the latest in graduate research, presented by the Graduate Student Assembly.

10. GSA RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM KEYNOTE: DR. CAROL YOON
Wednesday, Mar 23, 7:00-8:00pm, GLC Auditorium
Author of Naming Nature and science writer for the New York Times, Dr. Yoon will discuss her scientific journey and translation of research. Free and open to the public.

11. JOB OPPORTUNITIES IN THE CIA
Thursday, Mar 24, 10:00-11:30am, GLC Room G
Speakers from the CIA Directorate Of Intelligence (DI) will discuss intelligence analysis, the mission of the DI, and how the cycle of intelligence analysis works (requirements, collections, analysis and distribution). They will cover the types of careers in the DI and the kinds of positions currently needed, and provide application tips. The session will conclude with a Q&A.

12. FARMER’S MARKET ON THE PLAZA
Thursday, Mar 24, 11:00am-3:00pm, GLC Plaza
Shop for some fresh locally grown/produced foods and enjoy some live music! Also visit with organic farmer/philosopher Fred Kirshenmann.

13. GUTS, BUTTS AND THIGHS

Thursday, Mar 24, 12:00-1:00pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
Heed the old saying about a healthy mind in a healthy body and bust your butt for an hour during this workout session lead by a certified trainer graduate student. You won’t regret it, although your gut, butt or thighs may complain the next day.

14. CULTIVATING AN ECOLOGICAL CONSCIENCE

Thursday, Mar 24, 7:00pm, Fralin Auditorium
Farmer philosopher Fred Kirschenmann, a world-renowned leader in sustainable agriculture combines his experience as an organic farmer with an education philosophy to offer a unique view of agriculture. He travels widely and extensively to discuss the importance of maintaining soil health, developing various-sized farms, and incorporating biodynamic techniques into farms. He has written extensively about ethics and agriculture. For more information contact graduate student Matt Benson.

15. GRAD OLYMPICS
Friday, Mar 25, 3:00-4:30pm, GLC Multipurpose Room and neighboring locations
Even if you didn’t sign up as part of a team, you can stop by to watch your fellow grads compete in this contest that will challenge their wits as much as their bodies. Where else will you see them ride around on tricycles wearing beer goggles?

16. BIG COOK OUT – RAIN OR SHINE!

Friday, Mar 25, 4:30-6:30pm, GLC Lawn and Multipurpose Room
The traditional closing event of GEW offers free food, music, games, and raffle prizes to our grad students and their families. Bring a blanket if it shines, or a big umbrella if it rains.

17. MEET AND GREET WITH DR. TYRONE HAYES OF UC BERKLEY
Saturday, Mar 26, 1:30-2:30pm, 100 McBryde
Kids’ Tech University and the Black Graduate Student Organization invite you to meet with renowned African American biologist who will be visiting Virginia Tech. This informal session provides you the opportunity to ask questions about his research, career, and what it takes to be the best in your field. For more information contact graduate student Shernita Lee.

18. EVENING OF INDIAN MUSIC AND DANCE: TAAL 2011
Saturday, Mar 26, 5:30-8:00pm, GLC Auditorium
The Association for India’s Development (AID) and the Indian Student Association (ISA) of Virginia Tech invite you for a mesmerizing evening of Indian music and dance. Soumya Chakraverty, an accomplished Sarod player from the Shahjahanpur Gharana, will be accompanied by Tabla Maestro Debu Nayak, a well known artist in Washington, DC music circles, and joined by Sonali Mishra, a talented dancer with an incessant flow of energy. This event is free and open to the public. More details >>.

19. GSA CABINET POSITIONS 2011-12

The GSA Cabinet is a branch of the Graduate Student Assembly that represents graduate students in the university governance structure. Cabinet members report directly to the VP of Membership of the GSA and sit on university commissions and committees or are members of the GSA committees.  Cabinet members are expected to attend the regularly scheduled meetings of those commissions or committees (usually once or twice a month), one delegate meeting per semester and the GSA cabinet meetings that fit their schedule. They also keep the graduate community abreast of committee/commissions activities by providing cabinet summaries on the GSA website. Graduate students interested in serving on the cabinet should visit the Cabinet section of the GSA website, and click on the Cabinet Positions for 2011-2012, or download a handout for more information.  The handout lists all of the Cabinet positions and provides links to those webpages available.  You may also search the name of any committee/commission on the GSA website to bring up cabinet summaries from current cabinet members that get more current information regarding topics covered in those committees and commissions. You may fill out the Cabinet Interest Survey to nominate yourself for up to three commissions/committees.  The deadline to apply: Apr 18, 2011, or until all positions are filled. Contact current VP of Membership, Jonathan Moore, at with questions.

20. CITIZEN SCHOLAR APPLICATIONS INVITED
Have you used your research to benefit society in any way? If so, consider applying for the Citizen Scholar award.  If not, consider designing a Citizen Scholar project! Program requirements are described on the CSE website. Applications are due April 28th.  For more information, email Eric Hodges.

21. CALL FOR APPLICATIONS FOR EXEMPLARY INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH & ESSAY AWARDS – 3rd posting
The newly formed interdisciplinary research honor society, Iota Delta Rho (IDR), is giving out four awards: two awards for Exemplary Interdisciplinary Research, and two awards for Exemplary Interdisciplinary Research Essay of the Year, acknowledging the most exemplary interdisciplinary research (IDR) taking place at Virginia Tech in the 2010-11 academic year, as well as recognizing the best academic essay that details the process of interdisciplinary research (IDR) that IDR seeks to promote at Virginia Tech.  One member and one non-member of the IDR Honor Society will be chosen for each award. Each award winner will receive a certificate and $250. All applications should be emailed to Alireza Salmanzadeh by Friday, Apr 1 (note extended deadline). More information>>.   

22. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR LOCOMOTION STUDY – 1st posting

Participants are needed for a study investigating the age-related effects of visual input on biomechanical changes during walking and unexpected slip perturbations. The study consists of 2 separate experimental sessions (each lasting 2 hours). Participants will be compensated $10/hour. Requirements: male and female, age 18-30 and age 65-84, correct vision 20/40 or better, no recent history of musculoskeletal disorders. If interested, please contact Manutchanok (MJ) Jongprasithporn.

23. 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 six separate experimental sessions (each lasting approximately 2 hours) and participants will be compensated $10/hour.  To qualify, you must be between the ages of 18-29, have a lean body, and regularly exercise at least 2-3 times per week.  For more information or to inquire about participation, please contact Khoirul.

24. INVITATION TO COMPLETE HARASSMENT SURVEY – 1st posting
A PhD student in the Sociology Department invites you to participate in an online survey gathering information regarding Virginia Tech student’s experiences and perceptions of workplace harassment. The online survey is brief (will only take 5-7 minutes), voluntary, and anonymous, and is open to any and all Virginia Tech students. Please participate by completing the survey.

25. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR BIOMECHANICS STUDY – 3rd 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 upper body weight lifting). If interested, please contact Leanna Horton.

26. BEREAVEMENT GROUP AT THE FAMILY THERAPY CENTER – 2nd posting

If you or someone you know is… grieving the loss of a loved one; feeling alone or sad; feeling angry or guilty or empty; searching for someone who "gets it"; considering sharing your story of loss with others, then you may find value in what the Family Therapy Center has to offer: the Family Therapy Center at VT offers an opportunity for you to gather with people who have lost a loved one and are in need of additional support. For group details, please contact Annie Bao at (540) 231-7261 ext. 2.

27. ROWING COACH POSITION AVAILABLE – EXPERIENCED ROWERS NEEDED
The VT Crew Club will need additional coaches for next fall season and beyond. Candidates must have prior rowing experience, preferably collegiate rowing, but competitive high school rowing also acceptable. Prior coaching experience not required. This is a volunteer position, but all expenses (gas, travel costs, etc.) are covered by the team. Practices are held daily at nearby Claytor Lake during the fall and spring seasons, and in the team’s erg room in War Memorial Gym for winter conditioning. The weekend/travel commitment is for three to four regattas per season (fall and spring). It is a very rewarding experience, helping a motivated group of undergradutes compete and succeed at a high level of rowing. If you are interested or have any questions, please contact the current Novice Men’s Coach (next year’s Head Coach), graduate student Meghan McNulty.

28. UPCOMING EVENTS:

GSA HEALTH FORUM
Thursday, Mar 31, 6:00pm, Location TBA
The GSA health care committee is hosting this health forum, featuring representatives from Schiffert Health Center and Cook Counseling Center as guest speakers. To provide an informative and engaging forum, all interested graduate students are asked to complete a brief survey to list your questions, concerns, and suggestions regarding health services at VT, and express your intent to attend. The focus of this forum will be on the services provided at Schiffert Health Center, and general health concerns at the university. Food and refreshments will be provided. Contact GSA health care committee co-Chair Michael Sage with any questions.

GSA SPRING 2011 WINE SOCIAL
Friday, Apr 1, 5:30-9:00pm at the University Club
Join the GSA and your fellow grad students to celebrate springtime in Blacksburg at the annual GSA Spring Wine Social! Wine services will stop at 8:30pm. Tickets are $10 each (cash/check) at the door. GSA delegates and cabinet members can get in for $5. Must be over 21; valid ID required for entry. If you have any questions or would like to volunteer to help with the event, please contact Amanda Cronin Rumore, VP of Programs.

FROM GANDHI, TO DR. KING, TO VIRGINIA TECH
Tuesday, Apr 5, 7:00-8:30pm, Commonwealth Ballroom in Squires
The ASPECT/PGG Speaker Series (managed by graduate students) is proud to present the Ut Prosim Month Keynote Speaker Dr. Clayborne Carson, internationally renowned scholar and founding director of the MLK Research and Education Institute at Stanford University.  Dr. Carson will give a powerful talk tracing the legacy of Gandhi and MLK through the twentieth century and up to the tragedy at Virginia Tech in 2007.  This presentation has been collaboratively envisioned by graduate students in conversation with Dr. Carson as a unique opportunity to place the history of Virginia Tech within the context of over a century of critical thought on violence and its alternatives in the modern world.  Contact Jordan Hill if you have questions or need more info.

CPR TRAINING FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS
Friday, April 8, 8:30am-12:00pm, GLC Room G
You never know when a friend, professor, or colleague will be in need of CPR. Make sure you know the proper steps. Tony Mills from Environmental Health and Safety will lead this training for graduate students. The training fee of $20 includes a quick reference manual, full training manual with DVD, barrier mask and a two year certification from the National Safety Council. Learn more and sign-up here. Sponsored by the GLC Resident Fellows.