1. ORIENTATION VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
The Graduate School is looking for graduate student volunteers (graduate ambassadors) to assist with international graduate student check-in (Aug 1-19), GTA training (Aug 15-16), the Welcome Center and New Graduate Student Orientation in the GLC (Aug 15-19). Roles include: check in and registration assistance, information and guidance to attendees; Welcome Center staffing; orientation crowd control; program set up and more. If you are available and interested in assisting with any of these events, please contact Monika Gibson, and include in your email your full name, department, contact information, and availability/preferred dates for participation. There will be a short training session during last week of July for those who can help with new international student check in, and another training session during the week of Aug 8-12 for welcome week events. Volunteers will receive a Graduate Ambassador t-shirt and refreshments during the training session(s).
2. GSA SUMMER 2011 WATER ACTIVITY SURVEY
Saturday, Jul 30
GSA is planning a water activity (canoeing/kayaking) for this Saturday, Jul 30, in Pembroke, and would like to survey your interest in this. They will work out all the logistics, but there will be a reasonable fee for the day-long trip. Advance payment might be required, depending on arrangements with the outfitters. Please indicate your interest by completing this survey. For questions contact Shree Narayanan.
3. POSITION OPEN FOR GRADUATE STUDENT – 2nd posting
The Family and Community Research Lab in the Department of Human Development is seeking to hire a professional for 10-15 hours/wk starting Aug 2011 with a computer science, business administration, or information technology background, who has a strong understanding of database structures, theories, principles, and practices. Server-client computing and relational database environments, including SQL Server experience, is preferred. Must be proficient in Visual Basic (VB) programming, MS Excel (esp. macros and formulas), basic HTML, and in design and implementation of online surveys (e.g. SurveyMonkey). Preferred qualifications include proficiency in SQL and familiarity with LaTeX. Please email inquiries and resumes to Glenn Hollingsworth.
4. GLC WAGE POSITIONS SOON TO BE OPEN FOR FALL 2011 – 2nd posting
Applications will soon be accepted for Fall 2011 GLC wage positions. The position ads will be posted within the week for the following position names: UUSA Graduate Information Associate and Graduate Services Associate. For more information about the GLC Graduate Services or Information Associates positions, please visit the UUSA/GLC Employment Page. If interested, please be on the look-out on the jobs.vt.edu site very soon.
5. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR RESEARCH PROJECT – 1st posting
Participants are needed for a study investigating muscle endurance for muscles of the arm, shoulder, and low back. The study consists of 1 session lasting approximately 2 hours. Participants will be compensated $15/hour. Requirements: age 18-25, no recent history of musculoskeletal or metabolic disorders, and not involved in any regular aerobic or resistance training. If interested, please complete a brief survey.
6. CHILDCARE SURVEY: NOT JUST FOR STUDENTS WITH CHILDREN! – 1st posting
The GSA Childcare Committee is issuing its final attempt to collect important data regarding the attitudes, opinions, and demographics of graduate and undergraduate students with and without children about the need (or not) for child-care services, support, education, etc on the Virginia Tech campus. Even if you do not have children or do not plan to have children in the future, your answers to this survey (in the relevant areas) will impact the future of our graduate and undergraduate student communities. Please take this confidential IRB-approved survey here. The survey will be closed by Sunday, Jul 31 at midnight. Questions? Please contact co-chairs, Shaimaa Abdallah and Michelle McLeese.
7. NEW HEALTH INSURANCE CARRIER AND RATES ANNOUNCED
Aetna Student Health will be the new student health insurance carrier for the 2011-2012 academic year. The Office of Risk Management has posted on its website the 2011-12 student insurance rates. Qualifying graduate assistants will receive a 90% subsidy that is based on single student at $50,000 rate, which is $1979. Learn more about the insurance plans and rates>>.
8. PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE JOURNAL CALLS FOR PAPERS AND ARTICLE REVIEWERS
Public Knowledge Journal seeks articles, book reviews, essays, interviews, and multimedia submissions for Volume 3, Issue 2 on Academic Research. Public Knowledge is a multidisciplinary, graduate-student-run electronic journal hosted by the Center for Digital Discourse and Culture at Virginia Tech. For more information and to view the Call for Papers, visit pkjournal.org. Public Knowledge Journal is also looking for graduate students and/or faculty members to serve as article reviewers. If you are interested, please contact our editor-in-chief, Sarah Surak. This is a great way for graduate students to learn more about the publication process!
9. UPCOMING EVENTS:
GSA MOVIE NIGHT AT THE LYRIC
Monday, Aug 1, 6:50pm, Lyric Theatre
Join GSA members and other grad students for a movie at the historic Lyric Theater (downtown on College Ave). Meet in front of the Lyric at 6:50pm to watch "Tree of Life" starring Brad Pitt and Sean Penn. Tickets are $6.00 per person and Mondays are free popcorn night! Questions? Contact Amanda Shea at ashea04@vt.edu.
GLC CAFÉ PILOT
Thursday, Aug 4, 3:30-5:00pm, Graduate School Lobby
As an experiment, we will turn the Graduate School lobby into a living room of sorts and provide free afternoon coffee and tea. An interesting faculty member or two might serve as hosts. Join us for some coffee or tea, maybe even espresso, and kick back for an hour with your fellow grads. Please let us know if you are planning to join us or if you have any comments or suggestions.