September 19-25, 2011

1. WEEKLY SERVICES IN THE GLC (on a walk-in basis unless otherwise noted)

  • 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)
  • GLC Café: Thursdays, 3:30-5:00pm, Reading Room
  • Statistical consulting by LISA: Wednesdays, 1:00-3:00pm, GLC Videoconference Room
  • Writing support: Wednesdays (6-9pm) and Thursdays (6-9pm), GLC Videoconference Room – Reserve a spot at http://www.composition.english.vt.edu/wc

2. SHORT STAT COURSE: INTRO TO DESIGN AND ANALYSIS OF EXPERIMENTS
Tuesday, Sep 20, 5:00-07:00pm, Fralin Auditorium
Across all disciplines, the ability to test theories by experimentation is vital for validation and discovery. This course explores the basic principles of experimental design and specific designs, including completely randomized designs, the most straightforward design when a researcher wants to test for differences amongst multiple treatments; optimal blocking strategies will be presented as a variance-reducing technique; for each design, implementation, appropriate analysis and examples in SAS will be discussed. If time permits, more complicated designs tailored specifically to the researchers attending the course may be introduced. Register and learn more>>>.

3. INTRO TO INTERDISCIPLINARY GRADUATE DEGREES

Tuesday, Sep 20, 5:30-6:30pm, GLC Room F
Learn more about interdisciplinary graduate degrees, presented by Vice President and Dean of Graduate Studies, Dr. Karen DePauw. Free pizza will be served! For more information on this event contact Swetha.

4. GLC MOVIE NIGHT: THE COVE

Tuesday, Sep 27, 8:30pm, GLC Student Lounge
This documentary movie is about animal rights and specifically addresses the killing of dolphins. GLC Fellow Kiril Stoyanov will invite a faculty member and lead a discussion after the movie. Learn more about the movie, or see a trailer. For more information about this event, contact Kiril.

5. HOKIES4HIRE AND ON-CAMPUS INTERVIEWING
Wednesday, Sep 21, 5:30-6:30pm, GLC Room F
Hundreds of employers visit the Virginia Tech campus each year to recruit students for full-time, co-op and internship positions. Even more search VT’s resume database for candidates. Learn how to effectively use the Hokies4Hire system in your job search process. This workshop is brought to you by VT Career Services.

6. GLC CAFÉ: BYOM   
Thursdays, 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. This week’s special: mug contest! Bring your own mug and get your “mug shot” taken by a GLC Café photographer. Mug shots will be posted on the Graduate School Facebook page; the owner of the mug getting the most votes will get something. Maybe a gift certificate to Bollo’s? Please contact us if you have any comments or suggestions about this event.

7. INTEREST MTG FOR CURRENT AND FORMER FULBRIGHT STUDENTS
Thursday, Sep 22, 7:00pm, The Cellar
Attend the first get together and get to know fellow Fulbright Scholars (current and Alumni) at Virginia Tech and enjoy a couple of hours of conversation in a multicultural and diverse group. Please RSVP here. Contact Fulbright alum Tobias with questions and comments about this initiative.

8. VT-ISA PRESENTS RAAS GARBA
Saturday, Sep 24, 5:00-7:00pm cultural program; 7:00-… dandiya and dinner, GLC Multipurpose Room
On the occasion of navaratri, the Indian Student Association, joined with the Society of Indian Americans and pooja group of Roanoke, invites you to the celebration of Raas Garba. Confirm your participation through Facebook or by sending an email to isavatech@gmail.com. Participation in traditional clothes is appreciated. There is no charge for admission to the program. To purchase dinner tickets, members pay $5.50 and non-members $6.50 online at https://sites.google.com/site/raasgarbaisa/. Limited tickets will be available on the spot @ $7 per head. The food is from Taaza, Roanoke!

9. GRADUATE SCHOLARS SOCIETY (GSS): SIGN UP BY 9/23!
GSS is a society of graduate students who form into discussion groups of 5-8 to meet 5+ times during the semester in relaxed environments on or off campus. Discussions are lead by a faculty member and a graduate student knowledgeable about the group’s topic. Topics this fall are:

  1. Taking an Oath for Ethical Research and Scholarly Integrity led by Ishwar Puri
  2. University Emergency Preparedness – Are we ready for disaster? led by Michael J. Mulhare
  3. The World’s Energy Demand – Go Nuclear? led by Mark Pierson
  4. Through the Looking Glass – The Influence of Measurement Technology on Scientific Research led by Joe Pitt and
  5. How Technology Shapes Our Relationship to Music; led by Ivica Ico Bukvic.

Please register for a discussion group here.

10. GRAD STUDENT PHOTO-ART-WRITING CONTEST: GRAD LIFE THROUGH THE EYES OF GRADS
The Graduate School invites submissions of art work, photography and written work by graduate students for display in the GLC for the Graduate School’s Open House on October 21 and beyond. All pieces will be displayed on October 21 and November 12; selected pieces will be displayed from October 21, 2011 through March 2012. Submissions are limited to three pieces (art, photography, or written work) per graduate student. Learn more >>>.

11. PHI BETA KAPPA MEMBERS SOUGHT
Virginia Tech’s Mu Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa invites graduate students who were inducted into PBK at their undergraduate university to join the VT group and participate in campus events and activities. If you would like to be included in/informed of this chapter’s activities for the upcoming year, please contact Marcy Schnitzer, President of Mu Chapter, Phi Beta Kappa.

12. GRADUATE REPRESENTATIVE TO THE BOARD OF VISITORS-HAVE YOU MET YOUR REP YET?

Meet Michelle McLeese, your 2011-2012 graduate representative to the board of visitors (BOV). There are many reasons to know about the BOV and to have your voice heard and be represented! Michelle is your direct liaison to the BOV and she also works with the graduate student assembly (GSA) every month to present information from the BOV directly to you and your departments. Consider visiting Michelle in the Graduate Life Center (23A) or emailing her for more information.

13.  ABSTRACT SUBMISSION AND REGISTRATION OPEN FOR IDR RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM
The Interdisciplinary Research Honor Society (ΙΔΡ) is organizing the first Interdisciplinary Research Symposium at Virginia Tech on Nov 4, 9:00am-4:00pm, in the Graduate Life Center (GLC) Multipurpose Room. The goal of this symposium is to showcase student research projects to promote and recognize the interdisciplinary work being performed at by both graduate and undergraduate students. Visit the IDR website for free registration to the event and view additional information on abstract submission. y.org >  . Abstracts should be submitted to symposium@idrsociety.org by Oct 2nd.

14. PRESIDENTIAL MANAGEMENT FELLOWSHIP
The U.S. Office of Personnel Management announced the application period for the Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) Program Class of 2012. Apply now through Sep 25, 2011. This program helps federal agencies attract outstanding master’s and doctoral students who have a clear interest in excellence in the leadership and management of public policies and programs. Students who meet all graduate degree requirements, including the completion or successful defense of any required thesis or dissertation, between Sep 1, 2011 and Aug 31, 2012, are eligible to apply in fall 2011 for the PMF class of 2012. Applicants must be nominated by Graduate Dean Karen P. DePauw. Applicants should send by email a completed PMF Form 1300 along with their CV and a brief essay that addresses:  1) breadth and quality of accomplishments;  2) capacity for leadership;  3) commitment to excellence in leadership and management of public policies and programs, or fax these to 540-231-3714 by September 25.  Do not send directly to Dean DePauw. For questions call 540-231-4558.

15. CTR FOR STUDENT ENGAGEMENT AND COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS ORG FUNDS PROGRAM
The Organization Funds Program is now available to registered student organizations who wish to complete a project or event that impacts the community and is service-oriented. Your organization could be awarded up to $1000 to make the project or event a reality. Read the announcement for more information and details about applying at: http://tinyurl.com/OrganizationFundsAnnouncement. To apply, fill out the online application. Applications for fall cycle are due Oct 14. If you need some help honing your ideas or have logistical questions, please contact Jake Grohs.

16. 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 approximately 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. If interested, please contact Leanna Horton.

17. STUDY PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT – 2nd posting
Participants are needed for a study investigating endurance for the arm, shoulder, and low back. The study consists of 1 session lasting approximately 2 hours. Participants will be compensated $15/hour. Requirements: not involved in any regular aerobic or resistance training, age 18-29, and no recent history of musculoskeletal or metabolic disorders. Overweight individuals are especially needed. If interested, please complete a brief survey. Contact Lora Cavuoto with any questions.

18. RESEARCH STUDY PARTICIPANTS NEEDED – 3rd posting
Participants are sought for a study about loads on the knees while performing industrial tasks. Participants must be males or females between 18-30, and (1) should not have any current or recent history of ankle, knee and hip joint injury (2) should not experience pain or discomfort while squatting or kneeling on the floor (3) should exercise regularly (4) should have no abnormal health condition. Participants will perform simulated industrial tasks and will be expected to attend just one session lasting for about 2.5 hours. No compensation will be provided. Experimental protocols have been approved by VT IRB Interested individuals should contact Navaneeta

19. PAID PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR STUDY OF 2-WAY COMMUNICATION – 3rd posting
Researchers are looking for couples to participate in a study about two-way telecommunication using remote touch and audio channels. Participating couples must be: (1) over 18 years old; (2) have been dating over 1 year or married w/o kids; (3) speak English as the main language with each other; (4) at least one member affiliated with Virginia Tech. This IRB-approved study examines the effects of remote touch and audio channel on communication particularly in instances where the couple has feelings about a topic and when they may disagree. Couple will be situated in two study rooms and asked to have three discussion sessions through audio or remote touch and audio channels. The whole experiment will take 2 hours. Each dyad will be compensated with $30 for a complete participation. To begin, please complete this survey. Contact Rongrong Wang with questions.

20. RESEARCH SUBJECTS NEEDED FOR HNFE STUDY – 3rd posting
Research subjects are wanted for a study to determine whether daily consumption of corn oil/omega-3 fat will influence muscle soreness, damage and inflammation that occurs after weight training. Must consume supplement for 45 days, perform strenuous weight training bout, go through several weeks of weight training program developed by the researchers, and provide seven blood samples over 45 days. Must be healthy males (non-smokers, no orthopedic limitations to exercise; no chronic health conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, bleeding, or inflammatory diseases); 18-28; schedule compatible with testing and training. Benefits: development of personal weight training program by experienced professionals, financial compensation up to $175. If interested, contact vthnfe@gmail.com for more information.

21. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR BIOMECHANICS STUDY – 3rd posting
Participants are sought for a study investigating the effects of prolonged flexion on the biomechanics of the human torso.  The study consists of five separate experimental sessions (each lasting approximately 1 hour) and participants will be compensated $10/hour.  To qualify you must be 18-29 and regularly exercise at least 2-3 times per week. For more information or to inquire about participation, please contact Neema.  Please include your age, gender, and general availability when responding.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

GRADUATE AND PROFESSIONAL SCHOOLS FAIR
Monday, Sep 26, 11:30am-3:30pm, Commonwealth Ballroom, Squires
Representatives from over 100 graduate and professional programs from across the country participate in this event to meet potential students and recruit for their graduate programs. Learn about these schools and programs as well as attend workshop sessions. Brought to you by the Graduate Student Assembly.

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. More information and registration>>. Short courses will be held from 5-7PM.
Remaining Fall 2011 Schedule:
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. More information>>.

COMMUNITY VOICES SPEAKER: NANCY AGEE

Tuesday, Sep 27, 7:00-8:00pm, Lyric Theatre
Community Voices (CV) will kickoff its Fall 2011 series with a talk by Nancy Agee, President and CEO of Carilion Clinic, an integrated healthcare organization serving Western Virginia. Agee will speak on servant leadership in defining her role at the head of a major community corporation enabling community change. CV speakers give concise and engaging 20-minute talks that incorporate stories of leadership for community transformation, followed by a dialogue between audience members and the CV speakers. CV video-records the presentations and makes them widely available through a public access web-site. Learn more>>. This message is posted on behalf of MFA candidate Jon Catherwood-Ginn.

AEL LAST LECTURE SERIES: DR. MICHAEL HOCHELLA

Wednesday, Sep 28, 5:00-6:00pm, Jamestown Room, Squires
Alpha Epsilon Lambda (AEL) grad honor society presents the last lecture series, featuring world-renowned faculty from Virginia Tech who will share with the audience anecdotes from their personal and professional experiences, interspersed with pearls of wisdom, as though this were their very last lecture. The first presenter is Michael Hochella, Jr., University Distinguished Professor and fellow of six international scientific societies, and current VP of the Mineralogical Society of America.

DINNER FUNDRAISER

Thursday, Sep 29, 5:00-8:00pm, Moe’s (239 North Main, Bburg)
The Blacksburg Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., a non-profit community service organization, invites you to have dinner at Moe’s as part of a fundraiser. Fifteen percent (15%) of all pre-taxed food sales will be donated to the organization for the implementation of on campus and community programs throughout the New River Valley. Look out for the group passing out 20% off coupons around campus or for flyers posted in campus buildings. Present your coupon on the day of the event to receive the discount. This messages is posted on behalf of doctoral student Kacie Allen.

KIDS NIGHT OUT
Thursdays during semester (except breaks & football nights), 6:00-8:30pm, VT Women’s Center
Take advantage of this free drop-in evening of childcare for 2 to 12-year-old kids of VT students, provided by the Women’s Center. Kids must be toilet trained. Fun, crafts, toys, games and new friends, plus a snack. No pre-registration required. For additional information contact Jessie Meltsner.

ETD WORKSHOP SERIES: MANUSCRIPT VS. STANDARD ETD FORMATS

Thursday, Sep 29,  6:30-8:00pm, GLC Room F
Presenter Dr. Karen DePauw will discuss the two available format options for electronic theses and dissertations. If you need someone to watch your kid(s) while you attend this session, take advantage of the “Kids Night Out” drop-in child-care service offered by the Women’s Center.

OUTDOOR CLUB WHITEWATER RAFTING – SIGN UP NOW
Sunday, Oct 2, 6:00am-10:00pm. 
The Outdoor Club at Virginia Tech (OCVT) is organizing a whitewater rafting trip to raft the entire Gauley, upper and lower; 23 miles of river, over a 100 rapids, in 1 day. Take part in one of the best whitewater rafting experiences in the world. Rafters have to be at base camp in WV at 6:00am and will finish rafting at 6:30 pm. There will be an orientation/safety briefing before rafting.   Details and registration here>>. Contact Nimal with questions. Sign up by Sep 28. Must know how to swim.

LUNCH WITH GRAD DEAN DEPAUW, PROVOST MCNAMEE, AND PRESIDENT STEGER – SIGN UP NOW
Monday, Oct 3, 11:30am-1:00pm, The Inn
Attend the first of 3 graduate luncheons of the fall semester with President Steger, Provost McNamee, and Graduate Dean Dr. DePauw at the Inn at Virginia Tech. Spaces are limited, so if you are interested in attending, please fill out this survey and include any issues (positive or negative) that you believe need to be discussed. Please indicate if you are unable to attend the first luncheon, whether you wish to be considered for future lunches. Lunches will be organized by themes and graduate students selected for attendance will be contacted by Thursday, Sep 29. Contact Michelle McLeese with any questions.