1. WEEKLY SERVICES IN THE GLC (all on a walk-in basis; no appointment needed)
- Career services advising: Wednesdays, 1:30-5:00pm, GLC Study Room
- Counseling: Wednesdays and Thursdays, 1:00-5:00pm, Green Room (across from Room G)
- Statistical consulting by LISA: Wednesdays, 1:00-3:00pm, GLC Videoconference Room
- Writing support: Wednesdays (6-9pm) and Thursdays (6-9pm), GLC Videoconference Room
2. QUEER GRADS AND ALLIES WEEKLY MEETING
Tuesday(s), Aug 30, 6:30-8:00pm, GLC Room C
Queer Grads and Allies (QG&A) is a registered Graduate Student Organization that provides resources, support, events, and activities for graduate students at Virginia Tech, both queer and allied. The meeting alternates weekly between formal meetings in GLC Room C and downtown get-togethers for dinner and drinks. The first formal meeting is this Tuesday at 6:30 with Dean DePauw! Check out the group’s website at http://queergradsandallies.weebly.com/, or email Katelin Shugart-Schmidt, katelin@vt.edu, for more information.
3. INTERVARSITY GRADUATE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
Wednesdays, 6:30pm, GLC Room B
InterVarsity Graduate Christian Fellowship meets weekly for a free dinner and interactive Bible discussion. All graduate students are welcome! Learn more AT http://www.gcf.org.vt.edu/.
4. GLC CAFÉ
Thursdays, starting Sep 1, 3:30-5:00pm, GLC Reading Room
Enjoy free coffee and tea in the GLC Reading Room on Thursday afternoons and socialize with your fellow grads. On some weeks we’ll have faculty guests; at other times we’ll feature coffee from different countries; sometimes we’ll have graduate student organizations as hosts; and yet at other times we’ll surprise you with something new, but you have to be there to see it. But there will always be coffee, tea and cookies! Please contact us at grads@vt.edu if you have any comments or suggestions about this event.
5. FRIDAY SWING DANCE WEEKLY
Fridays, 7:30pm-midnight, Blacksburg YMCA
The Southwest Virginia Social Dance Society (SVSDS) invites you to their weekly Friday night dance, a great opportunity for graduate students to make new friends, learn to dance, and have fun! Beginner’s swing lesson starts at 7:30, open dance at 8:30. If it’s your first time, your entry is free! Posted on behalf of grad student Matt Bays, mjb222@vt.edu.
6. FREE GRAD STUDENT HANDBOOK & PLANNER WHILE SUPPLIES LAST
Pick up your free copy of the 2011-12 Graduate Student Handbook and Planner (courtesy of the Graduate School) in the GLC while supplies last. Planners are available in the student services area (120 GLC), at the information desk and in the Reading Room.
7. GSA OFFICE HOURS + T-SHIRTS FOR SALE
The GSA executive assistant will hold office hours on Tue 8-10am and Wed 1:30-3:30pm or by appointment, beginning Wed, Aug 25, in the student organizations suite in 25 GLC (next to ABP). Drop in to purchase a "You know you’re a graduate student when….." T-shirt: $5 and $8 for short- and long- sleeved respectively. XXL and larger cost $1 extra. Please e-mail Angela Post at arpost@vt.edu for appointments.
8. GOBBLERFEST SURVEY – PLEASE PROVIDE FEEDBACK
In order to continuously improve the Gobblerfest experience for everyone, the Gobblerfest 2011 planning team would like to hear from you! Please complete a short survey about your experience – it should only take about 10 minutes of your time. If you attended Gobblerfest and respond to this survey, you will be entered to win two (2) tickets to see Bill Cosby or the Plain White T’s! Both performers will be coming to campus this fall. Please enter your name and email address at the end of the survey to be entered into the drawings. Access the survey here: http://studentvoice.com/vtechweb/Gobblerfest2011StudentSurvey. The survey will close on Sep 5 at 11:59pm. Thank you for your time, and welcome to the Hokie neighborhood!
9. 2011-12 UNIVERSITY-SPONSORED HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN – SIGN UP BY OCT 3
At Virginia Tech, domestic students are encouraged, but not required, to have personal health insurance. International students and veterinary medicine student are required to have health insurance either through VT plan (provided by Aetna) or a comparable plan. Eligible graduate assistants wishing to use the health care subsidy must enroll in the VT plan. Highlights of the Aetna plan include:
– Enhanced benefits when used with Schiffert Health Center
– Coverage anywhere – at school, home or traveling and through the summer
– Access to travel assistance services, including emergency assistance 24/7
– Access to Aetna’s nationwide network of health care professionals
– Vision benefits included within the medical plan
– Optional dental insurance plan available
To learn more, go to www.virginiatechhealthplan.com, or call Aetna Student Health at (866) 577-7027. Fall Open Enrollment Deadline: October 3rd.
10. NEW INTERDISCIPLINARY GRADUATE EDUCATION WEBSITE
Visit our new interdisciplinary graduate education website: https://interdisciplinary.graduateschool.vt.edu/ Please send any comments or suggestions to Dr. Annie Aigster, director of interdisciplinary graduate education, aaigster@vt.edu.
11. EMERGENCY BIKE KITS AVAILABLE ON CAMPUS – 2nd posting
Emergency bike kits are available at three locations on campus: (1) Perry Street parking garage office (2) Squires Student Center information desk (3) War Memorial Gym equipment desk. To use the kits, simply go to one of the three locations during their business hours, present your Hokie Passport, and fill out a sign out sheet. Once you made the necessary repairs to your bike, replace all of the kit contents and return it to the same locations. These kits are brought to you by Virginia Tech’s Alternative Transportation Department. The staff members at the kit locations are not required to have any bike-repair knowledge. Kits contain standard bike pumps and basic tools for common adjustments and minor repairs. For more information please visit http://www.facilities.vt.edu/tcs/alternative/ or contact Debby Freed, at 540-231-0248 or dfreed@vt.edu.
12. GRAD ASSISTANTSHIP POSITION OPEN – 1st posting
VT Department of Music Digital Interactive Sound & Intermedia Studio (DISIS) is looking to fill a GA position as soon as possible. The assistantship includes full tuition waiver plus a monthly stipend (approx. level 7). GA will assist in daily operations of the studio (software and equipment maintenance, assistance with conducting specific research projects including Linux Laptop Orchestra (L2Ork)). Music training and computer programming skills are desired. Knowledge of Linux is a plus. For additional info please contact Dr. Ivica Ico Bukvic at ico@vt.edu. For additional info on DISIS please visit http://disis.music.vt.edu. For additional info on L2Ork, please visit http://l2ork.music.vt.edu.
13. RECRUITMENT VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT – 1st posting
The Graduate School Office of Recruitment and Diversity Initiatives is seeking recruiters. If you would like to help in the recruitment of more graduate students from your alma mater, home country, or from your discipline, please contact Dannette Beane at dannette@vt.edu or 540-231-6529. Recruitment materials, travel funds and training are available. Emphasis is given to recruitment involving Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic Serving Institutions, Tribal Colleges, and conferences focused on underrepresented students (this includes women in STEM).
14. PKJ IS SEEKING COPY EDITOR – 2nd posting
The Public Knowledge Journal (PKJ) invites applications for the position of copy editor. PKJ is a multidisciplinary, graduate-student-run, electronic journal hosted by the Center for Digital Discourse and Culture at Virginia Tech (ISSN 1948-3511). The journal incorporates a variety of communication technologies to sustain a conversation about the topics and questions raised in each issue. For more information about the journal visit http://pkjournal.org. If you are interested in applying, please email editor@pkjournal.org.
15. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR GRADUATE & PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL FAIR – 2nd posting
The Graduate Student Assembly is looking for volunteers to make this year’s Graduate and Professional School Fair a success. This yearly fundraiser will be held on Monday, Sep 26, at Squires Commonwealth Ballroom. Volunteers may sign up for a 1-hr or longer shift assisting with set-up, transportation services, general support, check in/registration desk help and more. Free t-shirt and food will be provided for all volunteers! Please complete the registration form to provide your contact information and shift preferences: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?hl=en_US&formkey=dERNVXZYMy1OMXNqNm9FU3dDb0V4LUE6MQ#gid=0. Questions: Contact Courtney Gleason at vtgpsf@gmail.com.
16. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR BIOMECHANICS STUDY I – 2nd 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 hrs) 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 Brad at hendershot@vt.edu. Please include your age, gender, and general availability when responding.
17. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR BIOMECHANICS STUDY II – 2nd 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 2-2.5 hrs) and one screening session. Participants will be compensated $10/hour with a $10 bonus after completing all sessions. Requirements: male or 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/week. If interested, please contact Leanna Horton at lhorton@vt.edu.
18. DRIVERS SOUGHT FOR RESEARCH STUDY – 2nd posting
VTTI is looking for people with a 2006 or newer vehicle to participate in a federally-funded safety research project. Must be 18 or older. Vehicle monitoring equipment will be placed in your car for up to one month to record your normal driving behavior. Participants will receive $300.00 for full participation. All information and data is kept secure and confidential. For more info please contact Christine Link-Owens at 540-231-1532.
19. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR RESEARCH PROJECT – 3rd posting
VT researchers seek volunteers for a project on the “Benefits of immersion for analysis of micro-CT datasets,” to help gather quantitative and qualitative insights into immersion benefits while exploring a complex scientific dataset like that of microscopic computed tomography data. The study consists of carrying out few tasks (answering few questions) related to two selected micro-CT datasets, which will be volume visualized on a state-of-the-art spatially immersive stereo display system, in the Visionarium at 3050 Torgersen. The experiment lasts for about 1.5 hrs. This study has been IRB approved. The researchers need 17 more participants who are selected on a first come first served basis. Participants must be more than 18 years old with no or minimal background in micro-CT imaging to participate in this experiment. The available time slots for participation are available here: http://people.cs.vt.edu/blaha/schedule.html. Please email to Bireswar Laha at blaha@vt.edu, with your preferred time slot from the above page to sign up for your participation.
20. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR STUDY OF SITTING EFFECTS – 3rd posting
You are invited to participate in a study aimed at testing muscle activities in a seated posture. Participants must be in no current or recent history (1 year) of physical disorders affecting the shoulder, knee, or lower back; exercise on a regular basis (2-3 times/wk); and be between ages 18-64. Participants will be required to perform several computer-based typing tasks in a laboratory setting. Each experiment session will last 2 to 3 hours and participants will be compensated $10/hour. For more information, please email to sjayvt@gmail.com.
21. UPCOMING EVENTS:
SHORT STAT COURSES FOR NON-STAT MAJORS
LISA (Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis) is providing a series of evening short courses to help graduate students use statistics in their research. The focus of these 2-hr courses is on teaching practical statistical techniques for analyzing or collecting data. See www.lisa.stat.vt.edu/?q=short_courses for instructions on how to register and to learn more. Short courses will be held from 5-7PM.
Fall 2011 Schedule:
- Tuesday, Sep 6: What LISA Can Do for You and a Tutorial in T-Tests and ANOVA;
- Tuesday, Sep 13 & Thursday, Sep 15: Introduction to JMP; *
- Tuesday, Sep 20: Introduction to Design and Analysis of Experiments;
- Tuesday, Sep 27 & Thursday, Sep 29: Introduction to R; *
- Tuesday, Oct 4: Applying Statistics in Research: Case Studies;
*These courses will be held in 3080 Torgersen, all other courses are held in Fralin Auditorium. They are one-session courses offered twice so that more students can attend. For more information, please visit www.lisa.stat.vt.edu.
GSA MOVIE NIGHT AT THE LYRIC: HARRY POTTER!
Tuesday, Sep 6, 6:50pm, The Lyric
Join your fellow grads at the historic Lyric Theater (downtown on College Ave) to watch Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2! Meet in front of the Lyric at 6:50pm. Tickets are $6.00 per person. Contact Amanda Shea at ashea04@vt.edu with questions.
LEARN TURKISH AT VT
Starting Wednesday, Sep 7, 6:00pm, Cranwell International Center
Experienced teachers are offering Turkish language classes at the Cranwell International Center through the Intercultural Understanding Club. You don’t need to know any Turkish to start these classes; courses are offered from elementary to advanced levels. For the fall program: One hour-long class per week, four classes in a month. Please register via http://www.icuc.org.vt.edu/turkish. Please email graduate student Haktan Suren at hsuren@vt.edu if you have any questions. Classes are free and open to anyone interested.
GSA WELCOME BACK HAPPY HOUR – WITH AN INT’L TWIST!
Friday, Sep 9, 5:00-7:00pm, GLC Student Lounge
GSA is hosting their annual “Welcome Back Happy Hour” featuring international brews. The cost is $5.00/person (cash) at the door for 2 beers (or 6 tastings) and snacks ($2 for snacks only). All graduate students, post-docs, and faculty members are welcome to come and enjoy a great start to the semester. Valid ID required for entry. Contact Amanda Shea at ashea04@vt.edu with any questions.
ISVT ANNUAL SHOWCASE
Saturday, Sep 10, 6:00-7:00pm, Commonwealth Ballroom in Squires
The Iranian Society at VT invites you to this showcase that represents the cultural contribution and scholarly achievements of the Iranian community at Virginia Tech and promotes the exchange of ideas between researches from variety of backgrounds. Posters will be evaluated by a committee of faculty members from pertaining colleges and the awards ceremony will follow. This message is posted on behalf of master’s student Aida Farough, afarough@vt.edu.
GRADUATE HONOR SYSTEM PANELIST TRAINING
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. To learn more about the GHS, visit http://ghs.grads.vt.edu/. To become a panelist, you must attend a one-hour training session. The next training sessions will be:
- Wednesday, September 14 @ 9:00 am in GLC Room C
- Thursday, September 15 @ 7:00pm in GLC Room B
- Friday, September 16 @ noon in GLC Room B
Please complete the following survey to indicate which training session you would attend: https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1314384492725