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 (note correction of day!)
- Writing support: Thursdays 7:00-9:00pm, GLC Videoconference Room; contact Emily Love, remily4@vt.edu
2. 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 here if you wish to attend: https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1325689689558. This event is sponsored by the GSA. With questions contact Swetha Kumar, GSA VP of Programs.
3. SHORT STAT COURSE: HOW TO CREATE A SUCCESSFUL SURVEY
Tuesday, Feb 7, 5:00-7:00pm, GLC Room F
Surveys are a popular research tool that come with easily-overlooked pitfalls. However, the thoughtfully and properly designed survey can elicit very useful data and information. Once the data are collected, data visualization methods can provide the researcher with a next step in the analysis. In this course, the principles of error minimization and survey bias will be discussed. Topics will include sampling methods, sample size calculations, questionnaire design, and exploratory data plotting. Real-world examples will be presented. Instructor: Marcos Carzolio. Register and learn more>>.
4. 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.
5. OFF-CAMPUS HOUSING FAIR
Wednesday, Feb 8, 10:00am-4:00pm, Commonwealth Ballroom, Squires
Visit area housing vendors and see what they have to offer in case you are looking for off-campus housing options for next year.
6. FULBRIGHT SCHOLARS MEETING
Tuesday, Feb 7, 6:30pm, PK’s
Attend the first get together this year and get to know fellow Fulbright
scholars (current and alumni) at VT; enjoy a couple of hours of conversation in a multicultural and diverse group. Please RSVP at https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1328216728927. Contact Fulbright alum Tobias at ecker@vt.edu or Fulbrighter Patrick with questions and comments about this initiative.
7. MANRRS PRESENTS: MARIAK CHUOR
Wednesday, Feb 8, 12:00-1:30pm, GLC Room G
The Minorities in Agriculture Natural Resources and Related Sciences Student Organization hosts Mariak Chuor, an author, activist, and a Lost Boy of South Sudan, for a luncheon and an evening presentation! Listen to his compelling story of overcoming both controversy and challenge. The lunch session is co-sponsored by Agricultural and Extension Education and the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. Please register here. Later that evening MC will speak from his book on the topic "Fulfilling Your Dream" at 6pm in Torgerson Museum (1100), followed by a refreshment reception and book signing.
8. “CANS OF LOVE” FUNDRAISER FOR FOOD SCIENCE CLUB
Wednesday-Tuesday, Feb 8-14, in Food Science Bldg and Litton-Reeves
Grad student members of the Food Science Club invite you to purchase "Cans of Love," decorative soup-cans filled with candy and/or a special message for Valentine’s Day. This event supports the club’s professional development activities. For more information please contact Liz Greene at selg86@vt.edu.
9. CAREER FAIR PREP FOR GRAD STUDENTS
Wednesday, Feb 8, 5:30-6:30pm, GLC Room F
Learn more about how to properly prepare for participation in career fairs: what materials you have to get ready, how to dress for onsite short interviews, what to expect, and more. Presented by VT Career Services. Learn more >>.
10. 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 at swethak@vt.edu.
11. GLC CAFÉ
Thursdays, 3:30-5:00pm, GLC Reading Room
Enjoy free coffee and tea and socialize with your fellow grads. Bring your own mug if you can. Please contact us at grads@vt.edu if you have any comments or suggestions about this event.
12. GLC CONVERSATION GROUP: A COMMUNITY WITHIN A COMMUNITY
Fridays, Feb 10-Mar 30, 12:00-1:00pm, GLC Room D
Bring your lunch and join this group of GLC residents and other grad students to get to know one another through casual conversations. Discussions may include current events, the nature of graduate study, and games that promote conversation. If you have any questions, contact Whitney Bortz, GLC residential learning coordinator, 231-5691.
13. GRAD SCHOLAR SOCIETY TOURS PRESENTS: THE WARE LAB
Friday, Feb 10, 2:00-3:00pm,
Do you know what the VT Ware Lab is or what happens there? If not, here is your opportunity to explore the facility where engineering students work on projects such as building formula-1 style race cars, concrete canoes, or a maze-traversing robot for national competitions. The tour is open to all grad students. Only 25 participants can attend, so please register early. Accepted registrations will be confirmed by email. Confirmed participants may meet in the GLC Lobby at 1:30pm and walk to the lab together, or may meet the group at the Ware Lab. Check out the GSS website for more tours coming this semester: http://gss.grads.vt.edu/current_groups.html.
14. GRAD STUDENT PHOTO-ART-WRITING CONTEST SPRING 2012
The Graduate School invites submissions of art work, photography and written work by graduate students for display in the GLC during Graduate Education Week (Mar 26-30) and beyond. Submissions are limited to three pieces (art, photography, or written work) per graduate student. Learn more >>.
15. INVITATION TO ‘ADVISING MATTERS’ CONFERENCE – 1st posting
Grad students are invited to attend the 2nd annual academic advising conference, Advising Matters, held at The Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center on campus on Mar 2, 2012. This conference is designed to be an economical way to access quality advising professional development opportunities; it is also appropriate for graduate students who are planning for a career in teaching (which will include advising) or a career in student services/academic advising. This one-day event includes a keynote presented by Dr. Charlie Nutt, current executive director of The National Academic Advising Association, concurrent sessions, and other activities with the goal of enhancing advising knowledge and skills and increasing effectiveness of advising programs. There is a minimal fee for registration ($25 VT-affiliated, $50 non-VT affiliated). However, space is limited to the first 150 registrants. Register by Feb 24.
16. JOIN PHA@VT!
The Public Health Association @ Virginia Tech invites all grad students with an interest in public health to join PHA@VT. The next meeting will be held Monday, Feb 13, 5:30pm in the first floor classroom of Sandy Hall. The speaker for the evening will be Dr. Thomas Kerkering, MD, Director of Infection Prevention at Carilion, and Professor in the VT-Carilion School of Medicine and in the Population Health Sciences Department. He will discuss his career path before answering questions from those in attendance. Additionally, the group will plan activities for the rest of the spring semester. If interested, please complete this survey (https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1328202899511 and contact Lauren Fortenberry at lafix@vt.edu for more details.
17. 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:
– 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.
18. PKJ CALLS FOR PAPERS – 2nd posting
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. The call for papers is at http://pkjournal.org/?page_id=354. 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.
19. JOIN THE LEAN TEAM AND LEARN – 2nd 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. Please visit the LeanTeam’s website, http://www.vtlean.org/team/involved/, for more info.
20. INTERDISCIPLINARY SOCIETY ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS – 2nd posting
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 can be found at www.idrsociety.org. If you have any questions, please contact Tammy Parece at tammyep@vt.edu.
21. VOLUNTEER USHERS SOUGHT FOR SPRING COMMENCEMENT CEREMONIES
Grad student volunteer ushers are sought for the Spring 2012 Commencement ceremonies. Ushers report 2 hours before the official beginning of the ceremony. (6:30am for the 8:30am graduate ceremony; 10:00am for the 12:00pm undergraduate ceremony). Ushers are assigned to the entrances of the Cassell Coliseum or at one of the portals that connect the hallway to the seating area. Ushers welcome families, hold open doors, and distribute commencement programs. Some ushers will be assigned to assist the mobility-impaired to navigate the Coliseum safely. Ushers wear professional dress, not academic regalia. A group of ushers are needed to stay to the end of the ceremony. If you are interested in serving in this capacity, contact your college representative to sign up:
– Agriculture and Life Sciences – Durelle Scott, dscott@vt.edu
– Architecture and Urban Studies – Bill Green, wigreen4@vt.edu
– Business – Muzaffer Uysal, samil@vt.edu
– Engineering – Tamara Knott, knott@vt.edu
– Liberal Arts and Human Sciences – Elizabeth Fine, bfine@vt.edu
– Natural Resources and Environment – Jason Holliday, jah1@vt.edu
– Science – Joseph Merola, jmerola@vt.edu
– Veterinary Medicine – Rebecca Funk, rafunk@vt.edu
22. GRADUATE BOV SELECTION COMMITTEE NEEDS VOLUNTEERS – 1st posting
Be part of the process to help select the next graduate representative to the Board of Visitors (BOV) for the 2012-13 academic year. To qualify, you must be a graduate student and you must NOT be running for the position of the Graduate BOV representative for next year. If you are interested and want more information on the role committee members play, and a tentative timeline, please contact the current BOV graduate representative and committee chair Michelle McLeese at mmcleese@vt.edu.
23. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR STUDY ON EFFECTS OF IMMERSION IN ANALYSIS OF MICRO-CT DATASETS – 1st posting
Participants are sought for the IRB-approved study of “Effects of immersion in analysis of micro-CT datasets with a head-mounted display.” 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 headmounted display system, in the Blacklab of the center for HCI and department of computer science at KnowledgeWorks-II building of CRC. The whole experiment will last for about an hour. First come first served. Must be over 18 with no or minimal background in micro-CT imaging to participate in this experiment, and not have participated in a similar experiment in 2011. Available time slots . Please email to blaha@vt.edu, with your preferred time slot from the above page to sign up for your participation.
24. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR STUDY ON EMOTION-REGULATION IN PRESCHOOLERS – 1st posting
Do you have a child between 3 and 7 years of age? A new study is investigating children with or without autism and their ability to manage their emotions. The study is conducted at the VT Autism Clinic on 3110 Prices Fork Road, Blacksburg, or at the Roanoke Higher Education Center on 108 N. Jefferson St., Roanoke. For more information please contact Nuri Reyes at VTCareStudy@gmail.com or call 540-231-2053. Compensation: $30.
25. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR SENSORY STUDY – 1st posting
A lab in the food science and technology department is conducting conducting two sensory studies on dairy milk and soymilk to determine if different types of packaging can protect the flavor quality of these milks. Panelists must smell and taste dairy and soymilk (1 oz each, nine samples) that have been packaged in different packaging treatments. The sensory studies occur on several days this spring. If you are interested, please complete this VT survey. Please include your email address and time availability on the survey. Each time you participate in a sensory panel, you will receive a small snack. In addition, if you participate in all seven panels, your name will be entered into a drawing for a $100 Kroger gift card. If you have soy or milk allergies, you should not participate. The panels are scheduled on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and two Fridays, over a period of 5 weeks, from 9:00am-2:00pm or until enough panelists have participated. Study dates: Dairy milk: Weds Feb 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, and Mar 7 and Fri Feb 3. Soymilk: Tues Feb 7, 14, 21, 28, Mar 6, 13 and Fri Feb 10.
26. GRAD HONOR SYSTEM SEEKS EDUCATION AND OUTREACH COORDINATOR – 2nd posting
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.
27. BOV GRADUATE REPRESENTATIVE APPLICATION FOR 2012-2013 DUE FRIDAY
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.
28. RESEARCH PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR SLIP & FALL STUDY – 2nd posting
Participants are needed for a study assessing slip and fall risks. The study consists of 1 or 4 experimental sessions (each lasting approximately 3.5-4 hrs), depending on your age group. 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. If interested, please contact Xuefang Wu at xfwu@vt.edu.
29. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR BIOMECHANICS STUDY – 3rd 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 at https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1326758197301. Responses to the survey will be used to anthropometrically match individuals. Contact Brad Hendershot at hendershot@vt.edu with any questions.
30. 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 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 at neema@vt.edu. Please include your age, gender, and general availability when responding.
31. GSA FOLLOW-UP SURVEY NEEDS YOUR HELP! – 3rd 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: https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1326655920270. Your responses are greatly appreciated and needed! If you have questions about this survey, please contact GSA cabinet member Michelle McLeese at mmcleese@vt.edu.
32. ORGANIZATION FUNDS PROGRAM – 2nd posting
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 visit http://tinyurl.com/Spring2012-OFP-Application and http://tinyurl.com/OFP-AnnouncementSpring2012. Application deadline: Feb 27.
33. SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP STUDENT GRANT PROGRAM – 2nd posting
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. For more information on applying, visit http://tinyurl.com/Spring-2012-SESGP and http://tinyurl.com/SESGP-AnnouncementSpring2012. Applications for spring cycle are due Feb 27.
34. TRAVEL FUNDS – 2nd posting
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.
35. GSA TRAVEL AND RESEARCH FUNDS PROGRAMS – 2nd posting
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 at http://www.gsa.uusa.vt.edu/programs/travel_fund. 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 at http://www.gsa.uusa.vt.edu/programs/research_program. Application period: Feb10-Mar 11 (5:00pm). Questions, contact GRDP chair, Milad Radiom, at GSAGRDPChair@gmail.com.
36. UPCOMING EVENTS:
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 here if you are interested in attending: https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1326730219084. For more information contact Dannette Gomez Beane at dannette@vt.edu.
$TART $MART SALARY NEGOTIATION WORKSHOP FOR WOMEN
Tuesday, Feb 14, 4:30-6:00pm, GLC Room G
Don’t miss the opportunity to participate in this one-of-a-kind negotiation workshop designed for women students. $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 approach the job market. Refreshments will be served. For more information, contact Sharbari Dey at sharbari@vt.edu. Please register>>.
GRAD SCHOLAR SOCIETY TOURS PRESENTS: THE VT DAIRY FARM
Wednesday, Feb 15, 1:00-2:30pm, meet in GLC Lobby 12:30p or at the Dairy Complex
Are you curious about work done at the VT Dairy Farm? If so, here is your opportunity to explore the facility where nationally-recognized dairy science research is happening. Enjoy a special demonstration highlighting the use of medical grade plexiglas to study the biology of cattle safely. Only 25 participants can attend, so register early. Closed toed shoes are required; please expect a small disinfectant soaking of your shoes during the tour. A Graduate-School-sponsored van offers 6 students transportation to the Dairy Farm. Meet the driver in the GLC lobby at 12:30pm. Others can meet at the Dairy Sciences Complex parking lot off Southgate Drive.