January 30 – February 5, 2012

1. WEEKLY SERVICES IN THE GLC

  • Career services advising: Wednesdays, 1:30-5:00pm, Study Room
  • Counseling:  Wednesdays, 1:00-5:00pm, Green Room (across from Room G)
  • GLC Café: Thursdays, 3:30-5:00pm, Reading Room
  • Statistical consulting by LISA: Thursdays, 1:00-3:00pm, GLC Videoconference Room
  • Writing support: Thursdays 7:00-9:00pm, GLC Videoconference Room; contact Emily Love, remily4@vt.edu

2. COFFEE AND CONVERSATION
Monday, Jan 30, 5:00-6:00pm, GLC Student Lounge
Meet other graduate students and enjoy refreshments and good conversation along with graduate student leaders.

3. SHORT STAT COURSE: DESIGNING EXPERIMENTS AND COLLECTING USEFUL DATA
Tuesday, Jan 31, 5:00-7:00pm, GLC Room F
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 two-hour courses is on teaching practical statistical techniques for analyzing or collecting data. Register and learn more>>>.

4. SCAVENGER HUNT AND OPEN HOUSE AT NEWMAN LIBRARY
Wednesday, Feb 1, 12:00-3:00pm, Newman Library
Learn more about new library services and the newly relocated Writing Center. The first 200 students to complete the scavenger hunt will receive a 4GB flash drive and other prizes. Free food. This semester, Newman Library is open 24h/d Sunday through Friday; is lending electronics like laptops and iPads; is retrieving books with a new “Request It” service; and is able to alert students about overdue books with a text message. The library is also providing wireless printing and has updated photocopy services.

5. VT CREW TEAM BWW DINNER FUNDRAISER

Wednesday, Feb 1, 5:00-10:00pm, Buffalo Wild Wings
Blacksburg’s Buffalo Wing Wings will donate a portion of their night’s earnings to the VT Crew team, so come hungry! VT Crew relies on fundraising to compete against other club and varsity rowing programs nationally; you can learn more about the team here http://vtcrew.weebly.com/. This message is posted on behalf of grad student Meghan McNulty

6. USING HOKIES4HIRE AND OTHER E-RESOURCES IN JOB SEARCH
Wednesday, Feb 1, 5:30-6:30pm, GLC Room F
Hundreds of employers visit the VT campus each year to recruit students for full-time, co-op and internship positions. Even more search the resume database for candidates. Learn how to effectively use the Hokies4Hire system in your job search process from a Career Services representative.

7. GLC CAFÉ
Thursdays, 3:30-5:00pm, GLC Reading Room
Enjoy free coffee and tea and socialize with your fellow grads. Special hosts: Grads for a Fiscally Responsible Government Today. Meet members of this organization and chat over coffer or tea. Bring your own mug if you can. Please contact us at grads@vt.edu if you have any comments or suggestions about this event.

8. KIDS’ NIGHT OUT: DROP IN CHILDCARE FOR STUDENTS
Thursdays, 6:00-8:30pm, Women’s Ctr (206 Washington St)
A drop-in evening of childcare for kids 2-12 (must be toilet-trained) of any VT student. Fun, crafts, toys, games, new friends and a snack. For questions or more information contact Jessie Meltsner.

9. LEARN TURKISH AT VT
Classes begin Thursday, Feb 2, 6:00pm
Experienced teachers are offering Turkish language classes at Cranwell International Center through the Intercultural Understanding Club. You don’t need to know any Turkish to start Turkish classes: the Intercultural Understanding Club offers Turkish courses from beginner to advanced levels. Spring program: 1.5-hr class per week, four classes per month. For this semester, every student will have Turkish conversation partner as well. Register here. For questions: hsuren@vt.edu.

10. WELCOME BACK SOCIAL
Friday, Feb 3, 5:00-7:00pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
Come to the GLC for free food, good music, games, and to welcome back your fellow graduate students.  Because we are in the dog days of winter, the social will be "campfire" themed.  Although university regulations prohibit having an actual campfire indoors, there will be hot chocolate, hot cider, s’mores, barbecue, vegetarian options, and possibly even GLC ghost stories! Visit several "campfires" around the multipurpose room with various games and activities at each. If you’ve never experienced sitting around a campfire with close friends and family, this is your chance! This event is co-sponsored by the GLC Fellows and GSA.  If you have any questions, please email GLC Fellow Eric Hodges at hodgeseb@vt.edu

11. EARN YOUR AMATEUR (HAM) RADIO LICENSE
Sunday, Feb 5, 7:00pm, Dogwood Room in Squires Student Center
Take your ham radio exam in Squires! Please bring $15 (cash or check), a photo ID, and a social security number. This session is sponsored by the VT Amateur Radio Association. For more information about ham radio, please visit http://www.arrl.org.  For more information about this exam session, please contact grad student Nathaniel Frissell.

12. SHORT STAT COURSES THIS SPRING
LISA (Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis) provides a series of evening short courses to help graduate students use statistics in their research and provide 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. All short courses are 5-7pm.
Spring 2012 Schedule:
– Jan 31: Designing Experiments and Collecting Useful Data;
– Feb 7: How to Create a Successful Survey;
– Feb 14: Statistical Analysis in R, Part I;*
– Feb 16: Statistical Analysis in R, Part II;*
– Feb 21 and 23:  Plotting Data in R through Excel;*
– Feb 28: Regression Analysis with Categorical Factors using JMP and R;
– Mar 13:  Bayesian Methods for Regression in R;*
*These courses will be held in 3060 Torgersen; all other courses will be held in GLC Room F.

13. PKJ CALLS FOR PAPERS
Public Knowledge Journal (PKJ) is now accepting papers for Vol 4 Issue 1 on the topic of Public Health. Public health in this call is broadly defined and may include topical areas such as public health research, economic influences on public health, the local and organic food movements, and the role of development aid in targeted populations. Call for papers >>. Submissions from graduate students of all disciplines is encouraged so as to approach the topic from a variety of perspectives. Submission deadline:  Feb 10.  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 welcomes contributions of articles for peer review, as well as book reviews, essays, interviews, blogs, and other multimedia works. Authors retain the rights to their work. Direct questions to editor@pkjournal.org.

14. JOIN THE LEAN TEAM AND LEARN – 1st posting
LEAN@VirginiaTech is recruiting and developing high-performing students from across disciplines who are keen to learn to be lean. Students get the chance to develop and run Lean workshops and summits for professionals from a broad range of organizations; participate in continuous improvement events; and undertake fun team events. If this is what you always wanted, then the Lean Team looks forward to hearing from you by email at info@vtlean.org or phone at 540-443-6688. Visit the LeanTeam’s website>>.

15. NOMINATIONS FOR GRADUATE STUDENT AWARDS DUE FRIDAY
A number of prestigious awards are granted to graduate students each year, carrying a monetary prize ($500-$1000 each) and award certificate. Consider applying or discuss the possibility of your nomination by your advisor/department for any of the following awards that will be given out during our annual awards banquet on March 29, 2012:
– Outstanding Dissertation in (1) math, sciences and engineering, and (2) in social sciences and humanities
– Graduate Student Teaching Excellence
– Graduate Student Service Excellence
– Graduate Man and Woman of the Year
– Outstanding master’s and doctoral student in each college and in interdisciplinary programs
Additional information on the specifics and requirements for each award >> Nomination/Application deadline is February 3, 2012.

16. INTERDISCIPLINARY SOCIETY ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
Iota Delta Rho, the Interdisciplinary Research Organization and Honor Society, will accept applications for membership starting Jan 31. IDR has many levels of membership, including a membership for those who only wish to participate at the organization level. Information on different membership levels, the Honor Society Application Packages, and a FAQ sheet >>. If you have any questions, please contact Tammy Parece at tammyep@vt.edu.

17. GRAD HONOR SYSTEM SEEKS EDUCATION AND OUTREACH COORDINATOR
The GHS seeks a grad student volunteer to help with coordinating GHS orientation events, orientation outreach, making materials and presentations available for faculty members throughout the academic year, working with the Cranwell Center to increase our efforts to aid international students, and translating materials into common languages on campus. Specific goals would be chosen upon appointment, and time commitment would vary depending on the goals selected.  Honor system panelist experience is a plus, but is not a requirement. If interested, submit a short statement of purpose (why you are interested in serving in this capacity, ideas or vision for the improvement of the system, etc) and a resume to: Monika Gibson, Graduate Student Services (0325), 117 GLC, or by fax to 231-3714, or by email to gibsonm@vt.edu. The coordinator will be selected by the Honor System Advisor in consultation with the Chief Justice.

18. BOV GRADUATE REPRESENTATIVE APPLICATION FOR 2012-2013 DUE SOON

If you are interested in applying to be the next VT Graduate Student Representative to the BOV (Board of Visitors) please visit http://www.dsa.vt.edu/BOV/apply.php to download the application. All applications will be due no later than 5pm on Friday, Feb 10, 2012 in the VP of Student Affairs Office in 112 Burruss Hall. If you have any questions or wish to learn more about the position, please contact the current graduate BOV representative, Michelle McLeese, at mmcleese@vt.edu or bovgradrep@vt.edu. 
 
19. RESEARCH PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR SLIP & FALL STUDY – 1st posting
Participants are needed for a study assessing slip and fall risks. The study consists of 4 experimental sessions (each lasting approximately 3.5-4 hrs). Participants will be compensated $10/hr with a $10 bonus after completing all sessions. Requirements: male or female, age 21-84, no recent history of
musculoskeletal disorders, and exercise 2-3 times per week. If interested,
please contact Xuefang Wu at xfwu@vt.edu. 

20. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR BIOMECHANICS STUDY – 2nd posting
Participants are sought for a research study investigating the effects of asymmetric biomechanics and neuromuscular control of the human trunk.  The study involves several non-invasive and low-risk biomechanical tests and movements tasks. Experimental sessions will last about 2 hrs and participants will be compensated $15/hr. To qualify, must be between the ages of 18-70, have no current or recent (1 year) history of physical disorders affecting the lower back, moderately physically active (exercise 2-3 times/wk) and normal body weight (non-obese). Final eligibility will be determined based on age, height, and weight. Protocols have been approved by VT IRB (IRB #11-518). If interested, please complete a brief survey. Responses to the survey will be used to anthropometrically match individuals. Contact Brad Hendershot  with any questions.

21. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR BIOMECHANICS STUDY – 2nd 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 six separate experimental sessions (each lasting approximately 1 hr) 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. Please include your age, gender, and general availability when responding.

22. GSA FOLLOW-UP SURVEY NEEDS YOUR HELP! – 2nd posting
Five years ago the GSA sponsored a survey of graduate students to determine the need, and willingness to pay, for statistical assistance in research.  They are now sponsoring a short follow-up survey (5-15 minutes), and ask that all graduate students complete this regardless of whether you have used statistical assistance. Your responses are greatly appreciated and needed! If you have questions about this survey, please contact GSA cabinet member Michelle McLeese.

23. ORGANIZATION FUNDS PROGRAM
If you are a member of a Registered Student Organization (RSO) working on a project that will have an impact on our community, you could be awarded up to $1000 to help make your idea a reality. CSECP is looking for projects that show impact, sustainability, and fulfill the "Ut Prosim" mission of the university. For more information and application>> . Application deadline: Feb 27.

24. SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP STUDENT GRANT PROGRAM
Do you have an innovative idea or creative project that addresses a need within our community? You could be awarded up to $1000 to help fund your project through CSECP’s Social Entrepreneurship Student Grant Program. More information on applying>>. Applications for spring cycle are due Feb 27.

25. TRAVEL FUNDS 
If you are presenting on a civic engagement-related topic, research, or project at a professional or academic conference, apply for CSECP’s Conference Travel Funds Program. You could be awarded up to $500 to fund your travel and conference costs. CSECP is looking to fund presentations that promote the scholarship of engagement through research and/or practice. For more information visit http://tinyurl.com/Spring2012-Travel-Application and http://tinyurl.com/Travel-AnnouncementSpring2012. Applications for spring cycle (conference dates Feb 27-Sep 10) are due Feb 27.

26. GSA TRAVEL AND RESEARCH FUNDS PROGRAMS
The GSA Travel Fund Program (TFP) supports grad students presenting research at conferences. If you are a full-time student traveling to present at a conference between Jan 1 and Jun 30, 2012, you are eligible to apply to the TFP to be reimbursed.  Funding ranges up to $350 for a master’s student and $500 as a doctoral student.  Application period: Feb 10- Mar 11, 2012 (5:00pm). Learn more >>. Questions, contact Robyn Jones, TFP Chair at GSATFPChair@gmail.com.

The GSA-Grad Research Development Program (GRDP) supports qualified research and innovative ideas proposed by VT graduate students (awards up to $600 for selected doctoral proposals and $400 for master’s proposals).  Applications go through a rigorous review by a panel of graduate students and faculty members. Learn more>>. Application period: Feb10-Mar 11 (5:00pm). Questions, contact GRDP chair, Milad Radiom, at GSAGRDPChair@gmail.com.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

DIALOGUE WITH THE DEAN

Tuesday, Feb 7, 12:00-1:30pm, GLC Room C
Discuss graduate student life and university policy over lunch with graduate dean Dr. Karen DePauw. This is your opportunity to address issues that matter most to you! Space is limited, so please register if you wish to attend. This event is sponsored by the GSA. With questions contact Swetha Kumar, GSA VP of Programs.

GSA TRAVEL FUND AND RESEARCH FUND PROGRAM INFO SESSION
Tuesday, Feb 7, 6:00pm, GLC Room G
Learn more about the GSA’s travel fund program (TFP) and graduate research development program (GRDP), the application process, eligibility criteria, and evaluation forms at this joint info session.

GSA VALENTINE’S SPEED DATING – register now!
Friday, Feb 10, 7:00pm-9:30pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
Stuck in the library or lab too often to get out there and meet that special someone? The Graduate Student Assembly and Queer Grads and Allies are here to spark up your romance! The annual Graduate Speed Dating event is the perfect venue to meet and mingle with other single graduate students. This event is free and drinks and appetizers will be provided. Detailed information and the registration link is available on the GSA website at http://www.gsa.uusa.vt.edu/. Space is limited, so reserve your spot quickly! Questions, contact Swetha Kumar, VP of Programs.

I LOVE BLACK HISTORY MONTH: SPEED NETWORKING LUNCHEON   
Tuesday, Feb 14, 11:30am-1:00pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
The Black Graduate Student Organization and the Graduate School’s Office of Recruitment and Diversity Initiatives invite you to this networking event. Please register if you are interested in attending. For more information contact Dannette Gomez Beane.