November 14-20, 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: not this week, but normally on 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 – for information on reserving a spot, visit: www.composition.english.vt.edu/wc

2. HOLIDAY CLOTHING DRIVE
Nov 7-21, GLC Lobby
Join the Blacksburg Alumnae Chapter  of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. in their annual holiday clothing drive. The Devastating Divas of DST ask for your support for clothing of all sizes and types to support families at the New River Valley Women’s Center. Please consider donating a few items to someone in need. Boxes are located in the GLC, Femoyer, ILSB, and Litton Reaves Halls, as well as in the Blacksburg Library and the Christiansburg Library. For questions please contact BAC DST.
 
3. PEACE CORPS MASTER’S INTERNATIONAL INFO SESSION
Tuesday, Nov 15, 12:00-1:00pm, GLC Room B
The Master’s International program offers the unique opportunity to integrate a master’s degree with overseas service in a variety of fields at more than 80 academic institutions nationwide. Established in 1987, MI produces Peace Corps volunteers with additional education and skills to serve overseas – and helps you earn  your advanced degree along the way.  The director of the program at Virginia Tech, along with two recent participants in the program will discuss the application process, cultural immersion, and stories from Niger and Paraguay.  This event is sponsored by the GLC Fellows.  For more information contact Eric Hodges.

4. DOCUMENTARY PRESENTATION: EASY STREET

Tuesday, Nov 15, 7:30-9:30pm, GLC TV Lounge
Watch the must see film that documents one year in the lives of homeless people in St. Petersburg, Florida. Viewers will see and hear how people scratch out an existence on the streets of America’s urban centers. Participants will be assembling hygiene kits with the items collected throughout the week for homeless shelters in the New River Valley! FREE popcorn and drinks provided! Sponsored by the GLC Fellows and GSA. Contact GLC fellow Megan Stuart at stuartma@vt.edu with any questions.

5. A CONVERSATION FOR PREGNANT WOMEN AND NEW MOTHERS

Wednesday, Nov 16, 11:30am-12:30pm, Women’s Center
Having a child is a natural transition in one’s life; nevertheless, it is one of the most intense emotional experiences for human beings. Pregnancy can be exciting but also overwhelming for caregivers and mothers-to-be. Share and discuss life experiences related to parenthood such as pregnancy, labor, delivery, breastfeeding, post-partum blues, adjusting to baby needs, going back to work and good enough parenting. Bring your questions, experiences and ideas to the group. Learn more and register >>

6. GRADS FOR A FISCALLY RESPONSIBLE GOVERNMENT TODAY

Wednesday, Nov 16, 5:00-6:00pm, GLC Room F
Are you interested in serving your fellow students and making a difference in your community and your nation? If yes, join this group on Wednesday for a general interests meeting that is open to all graduates and the public. Learn what the group is all about and what you can do to make a difference. For more information contact Robert M. Davis, president, at robed84@vt.edu, or find them on Facebook.

7. BGSO PRESENTS: RULES OF THE ROAD – WHAT EVERY INVESTOR SHOULD KNOW
Wednesday, Nov 16, 6:00pm, GLC Room F
The Black Graduate Student Organization invites you to this workshop about the most common investing mistakes and how to avoid them; investment strategies to help reach your long-term goals; and what you can do to prepare for retirement. Presented by Nick Flaherty from Edward Jones. For more information contact BGSO at bgso@vt.edu.

8. GLC CAFÉ CANCELLED THIS WEEK

Blame or thank football and enjoy a shorter than normal workday.

9. ENROLLMENT OPEN AGAIN IN INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH HONOR SOCIETY

Iota Delta Rho, the Interdisciplinary Research Honor Society, has reopened membership enrollment following the enthusiasm experienced at the Interdisciplinary Research Symposium. Applications are now available at their website until midnight, Nov 13. IDR is an inclusive organization with membership options for all those interested in participating. Please contact VP of membership Tammy Parece at tammyep@vt.edu with questions.

10. SPRING SHORT COURSE: COMMUNICATING SCIENCE

This 1-cr participatory course will be taught by prof. Patricia Raun, and was inspired by her work with the Center for Communicating Science Institute at Stony Brook University (http://www.centerforcommunicatingscience.org/) and the belief that "scientists have a responsibility to share the meaning and implications of their work, and that an engaged public encourages sound public decision-making."  Participation in the course will lessen the discomfort of spontaneous interaction. Areas of emphasis will include imagination, relaxation, observation, and concentration through improvisation. The students will develop their communicative abilities through careful observation, active class contribution, and committed participation. Please contact Patricia Raun at praun@vt.edu with questions. GRAD 5984, CRN 18756m Tu 6:00-9:00pm, 3/13-4/24/2012.

11. SIGN UP FOR SPRING COURSE: RESEARCH IN INTERNATIONAL CONTEXTS
This course examines various aspects of research in int’l contexts, including: framework and context in which international research is conducted; international aspects of intellectual property and copyright law, trade law, export control, research ethics, research funding, protection of human and animal subjects; cultural dimensions of collaboration including work requirements, varying systems of higher education and research, and work-life expectations; and logistics for research abroad. GRAD 5404, 3 credit hrs, instructor: S. Midkiff, T 4:00-6:50pm, location TBA.

12. NEW SPRING COURSE: FROM MEMEX TO YOUTUBE: CONGNITION, LEARNING & THE INTERNET
Register for GRAD 5984 for spring 2012, TR 9:30-10:45am, location TBA.
So far education has used the Internet primarily as a delivery device, not a connectivity platform. If we change that paradigm, however, interesting questions emerge: How is Wikipedia not simply a reference work, but a learning environment and a community of practice? How does Google both model and shape human cognition? How can globally networked interactive computing augment human intellect and thus address the primary mission of education itself? This course explores the intersections of computing, information science, education, Internet studies, the humanities, and the visual and performing arts, as well as the crucial and long-contested relationships among making, doing, and knowing. Course readings will be supplemented by various  texts and artifacts, from podcasts to MMORPGs to machinima, and will include hands-on experience with blogging, tweeting, social bookmarking, and other more. For more details see the syllabus (beta).

13. CALL FOR ABSTRACTS FOR 2012 GSA RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM

GSA is excited to announce that they will be accepting abstracts Dec 1-8 for the 28th Annual  Research Symposium. The research symposium is a great opportunity to showcase your graduate work and potentially win up to $400 in awards for your talk, poster or performance. This event will be held on Mar 28, 2012 in the Graduate Life Center.  More information and submission criteria>>.  Questions: Contact Alireza at alireza@vt.edu.

14. VT ENGLISH GRAD STUDENT ORG CONFERENCE: RE-ENVISION, RE-FORM, RE-CREATE
Saturday, Feb 25, 2012
The VT English Graduate Student Organization is now accepting proposals for the 2012 interdisciplinary conference "Re-envision, Re-formation, Re-creation:" welcome are proposals for paper, panels, and creative works from any discipline that challenge preconceptions, explore neglected or newly discovered areas, rethink assumptions, and ultimately create new knowledge. A 250-500 word abstract for a 20-minute paper should be submitted as an email attachment to vt.egso@gmail.com in .doc, .docx, or .rtf format by Jan 15, 2012. Creative works should include a short, descriptive abstract and a sample of the work to be considered. In your email, please include your name, affiliation, email address, phone number, title of paper, and a brief biographical statement. However, do not include your name on the abstract itself. For more information and the full call for papers, please contact vt.egso@gmail.com.

15. INVITATION TO DIVERSITY SCHOLARS

The Graduate School Office of Recruitment and Diversity Initiatives hosts a Diversity Scholars Program that encourages scholarship and faculty-student mentorship and research through diversity initiatives. Visit this link to learn more: http://graduateschool.vt.edu/graduate_school/diversity/index.html and contact Dannette Gomez Beane at dannette@vt.edu with questions.

16. “STRONG TOGETHER” VIDEO COMPETITION

The College of Architecture and Urban Studies Diversity Committee is calling for submissions of 2-minute videos reflecting on diversity: What do you observe in real life, what do you imagine diversity to be? A jury will select four videos for cash prizes: 1st prize (CAUS students only) $500, 1st prize (any VT student) $500, 2nd prize (any VT student) $300, 3rd Prize (any VT student) $100. More information >>.

17. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR BIOMECHANICS STUDY – 3rd posting
Participants are sought for a study investigating the effects of flexion on the biomechanics and neuromuscular behavior 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/wk. For more information or to inquire about participation, please contact Neema at neema@vt.edu.  Please include your age, gender, and general availability when responding.

18. UPCOMING EVENTS:

T-BREAK POTLUCK LUNCHEON – SIGN UP NOW!

Tuesday, Nov 22, 11:30-1:00 in the GLC lobby and adjacent areas
You are not alone! Join others who don’t get to leave for Thanksgiving break and enjoy some wholesome home-cooked food (meat and vegetarian versions) and conversation. Meet other overly-dedicated-to-their-work, no-money-for-gas, don’t-celebrate-thanksgiving graduate students and Grad School staff. Brought to you by your friendly and caring neighborhood Grad-School staff. Please register to help us estimate how much we need to cook. 

LUNCH WITH DEAN DEPAUW, PROVOST, PRESIDENT AND VP STUDENT AFFAIRS – SIGN UP NOW
Monday, Nov 28, 11:30am-1:00pm, The Inn at Virginia Tech
Attend the final graduate luncheon of the fall semester with President Steger, Provost McNamee, Graduate Dean DePauw, and VP of Student Affairs, Dr. Spencer at the Inn. 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: https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1318190053408. Please indicate if you are unable to attend this luncheon and whether you wish to be considered for future lunches. Graduate students selected for attendance will be contacted by Thursday, Nov 24. Contact Michelle McLeese at bovgradrep@vt.edu with any questions.

GRAD STUDENT ROUNDTABLE ON COMMUNITY NEWS
Tuesday, Nov 29, 3:30-4:30pm, GLC Room C
Join the discussion about how community-based journalism and information sharing builds community knowledge and informed decision making. Contact Kate Preston at kapresto@vt.edu for more information. A speaker will address this same topic at 7:00pm in the Lyric; see “Community Voices” posting below.

GLC FELLOWS MOVIE NIGHT
Tuesday, Nov 29, 7:00-9:00pm, GLC Student Lounge
Join GLC Fellows and other graduate students to watch the legal drama, The Lincoln Lawyer, featuring Matthew McConaughey and Marisa Tomei.  The plot revolves around an underhanded lawyer who has a crisis of conscience when he defends a wealthy client who has a foolproof plan to defeat the system.  Drinks and snacks will be provided.  This event is sponsored by the GLC Fellows.  For more information, contact Eric Hodges at hodgeseb@vt.edu.

COMMUNITY VOICES: THE CHANGING LANDSCAPE OF COMMUNITY NEWS
Tuesday, Nov 29, 7:00pm, Lyric Theatre.
Speaker Brian Wheeler is the executive director of Charlottesville Tomorrow, a community news platform covering growth, development, and local politics. He will talk about how community-based journalism and information sharing builds community knowledge and informed decision making. A graduate student roundtable on this topic will take place on Tuesday, November 29th from 3:30-4:30pm in GLC Room C. Contact Andy Morikawa for information at andymorikawa@vt.edu. This event was submitted by graduate student Kate Preston.

$TART $MART: SALARY NEGOTIATION WORKSHOP FOR WOMEN – register now!
Wednesday, Nov 30, 3:00-5:00pm, 300 Squires
Take advantage of this opportunity to participate in this one-of-a-kind negotiation workshop designed for women. $tart $mart was developed by the American Association of University Women (AAUW) and The WAGE Project to empower college women with the necessary tools to negotiate salaries and benefits as they enter or re-enter the job market. Refreshments will be served. Please visit the Women’s Center website to register. For more information, contact Sharbari Dey at sharbari@vt.edu.