0. GRAD SCHOOL CLOSED ON 3/8, 8:00am-1:00pm
The Graduate School will be closed for a half a day on Thursday, Mar 8. We’ll reopen at 1:00pm. On all other days this week the Graduate School is open with regular business hours (8-5). Use your Hokie Passport to enter the GLC on the Otey Street or Bookstore side.
1. WEEKLY SERVICES IN THE GLC
All weekly services are on a hiatus during spring break, except GLC Café!
– GLC Café: Thursdays, 3:30-5:00pm, Reading Room
2. SPRING BREAK PITY PARTY: THE BREAKFAST CLUB! – register by noon on Monday, 3/5
Tuesday, Mar 6, 10:00am-12:00pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
You are not alone on campus during spring break! Join others who are working through spring break and enjoy a home-cooked brunch with vegetarian and meat options, brought to you by your friendly and enthusiastic volunteer chefs who also happen to work in the Graduate School and Res Life. The food will be so good that everyone who left town will turn green with envy when they find out what they missed. Please register by noon on Monday, 3/5 to give us an idea of how much food to prepare.
3. NERD WARS: MASTER’S VS. PH.D.’S
March 1-28, GLC Front Desk
Relay for Life Team “Graduates for a Cure” is hosting an adaptation of the penny wars starting March 1st. Stop by the GLC Front Desk and donate your loose change into a jar according to your degree status (Master’s or Ph.D.) All donations will be benefit American Cancer Society Relay for Life! The GLC bulletin board will be updated regularly to show whether Masters or Ph.Ds are ahead. The winner of this competition will be announced during Graduate Education Week on March 28th! Don’t let your fellow graduates down…may the best group win! Questions: Contact GLC Fellow Megan Stuart.
4. GLC CAFÉ PM
Thursday, Mar 8, 3:30-50:00pm 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.
5. REGISTER FOR GRAD OLYMPICS 2012!
Put your wit, physical skills and team spirit to the test in this highlight of Graduate Education Week, a light-hearted competition among graduate student teams. Up to ten teams of 4-5 members may compete for great prizes. No prior experience necessary, but resourcefulness and knowledge of the GLC are a plus. All materials are provided. All teams must pre-register and wait for confirmation that their registration was accepted. The Olympics will take place on Friday, Mar 30, 3:00-4:30 in the GLC Multipurpose Room and surrounding area. To pre-register, fill out this survey. You will be notified if your registration is accepted. Teams will receive extra points for a creative team name, flag design and team cheer. Registration deadline: March 23.
6. 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 at http://www.graduatelifecenter.vt.edu/contest.html.
7. BAD DESIGN CONTEST
The Human Factors and Engineering Society is hosting an on-campus "bad design" contest to spread the word about what human factors engineers do. The contest is simple: 1. Find something that is poorly designed on campus 2. Take a picture and write a few sentences about it. 3. Redesign a solution 4. Complete the entry form at http://goo.gl/LXDSz. 1st place is a $50 cash prize and 2nd place is a $25 cash prize. Questions can be emailed to hfesvt@gmail.com. This message is posted on behalf of master’s student Julee Harlow.
8. COMMENCEMENT LODGING ALTERNATIVE
The Division of Student Affairs’ Conference and Guest Services office offers an alternative to hotel lodging for spring commencement. Residence hall spaces are available to provide convenient, low-cost accommodations for families and guests of graduating students. Advance reservations for lodging are required, and full payment is due at the time that reservations are made. Online reservations and payment>>>.
9. TAKE A STANCE FOR A CURE: JOIN A GRADS RELAY TEAM
Join GSA and the GLC Resident Fellows for 2012 Relay For Life at Virginia Tech, taking place Apr 20 on the Drillfield. The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is a year-long fundraiser building up to a life-changing event that gives everyone a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease. Sign up as part of the Graduate Student Relay Team>>. For a $10.00 donation, you will become a team member and receive a Relay t-shirt. For more information, contact Megan Stuart, stuartma@vt.edu or Swetha Kumar, swethak@vt.edu.
10. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR MATERIAL HANDLING STUDY – 1st posting
Participants are sought to assess performance of portable measurement systems during manual material handling tasks. Must be 18-40; female; no current or recent history of a physical disorder affecting the shoulder, knee, lower back, or ankle; exercise on a regular basis (2-3 times per week); shoe size >= 9. Participants will be required to perform several manual material handling tasks in a single ~2.5 hr experimental session. Compensation: $10/hour. Please call or email Sunwook Kim if interested: 540-557-7763 or sunwook@vt.edu.
11. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR ONLINE SURVEY – 2nd posting
This study examines how superstition attitude will impact potential tourists’ intention to visit a destination so that relevant organizations (e.g. destination management / marketing organizations) could better understand potential tourists’ behaviors, identify a niche-market encompassing those prone to superstition, and tailor the tourism products to the needs and beliefs of potential tourists. The survey is anonymous and confidential. Must be at least 18 and have traveled within the past 12 months to participate in the survey. Please address any questions to Carol Zhang (zyz211@vt.edu).
12. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR SLIP/FALL STUDY – 2nd posting
Participants aged 20-64 are needed for a Locomotion Research Lab study titled effects of localized muscle fatigue on risks of slips and falls. This study consists of four sessions, with each session lasting 3-4.5 hours. Compensation will be paid on an hourly basis, at $10/hour, with $40 bonus for those who finish the entire study. Please contact Xuefang Wu for more details.
13. PARTICIPATE IN “SEX AND THE WORKPLACE” SURVEY – 2nd posting
This online survey assesses students’ perceptions of acceptable and unacceptable co-worker interactions. Rating scenes depicting sexualized interaction at work allows researchers to determine which social characteristics affect the development and reinforcement of moral boundaries. This IRB-approved dissertation research is conducted by a sociology student and will take less than 10 minutes to complete. The survey is completely anonymous; graduate-student participation is greatly needed. Enter the study>>. Must be at least 18 and a current VT undergad or graduate student to participate in this survey. Please contact Angela Barlow at barlow.a@vt.edu with questions or comments.
14. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR STUDY OF SITTING EFFECTS – 2nd posting
You are invited to participate in a VT study aimed at testing muscle activities in a seated posture. Participants must be between the ages 18-64, in no current condition or recent history (1-yr) of physical disorders affecting the shoulder, knee, or lower back; and exercise on a regular basis (2-3 times/wk). Participants will be required to perform several computer-based typing tasks in a lab setting. Each experiment session will last 2 to 3 hours; participants will be compensated $10/hr. For more information email to sjayvt@gmail.com.
15. HAPPY PARENTS, HAPPY BABY RESEARCH STUDY – 2nd posting
Are you expecting your first child? As many as 90% of couples experience a significant decline in relationship-satisfaction after having a baby. The Mindful Transition to Parenthood Program can help couples meet this transition in a healthier way, which will make you happier and support the well-being of your baby. In this free support group, you will connect with other couples, learn effective communication skills, practice stress management, and learn how to reduce your risk of postpartum depression. The group is led by Laura Gambrel, a doctoral candidate in marriage and family therapy, and is part of a dissertation research study. Participants have the opportunity to win a $250 gift card. The group meets on Thursday evenings 6:00-8:00, Apr 12-May 3. Register by Apr 1 at http://www.lauragambrel.com/ or e-mail Laura at lauraeg@vt.edu
16. GSA TRAVEL AND RESEARCH FUND PROGRAMS – deadline Mar 11
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 master’s students and $500 for doctoral students. 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 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. Apply by Mar 11, 2012 (5:00pm). Questions, contact GRDP chair, Milad Radiom, at SAGRDPChair@gmail.com.
17. GLC FELLOWS POSITIONS OPEN FOR 2012-2013 – 1st posting
Residence Life and the Graduate School are seeking motivated graduate students who are committed to building graduate community, for three GLC Fellow positions for the 2012-2013 academic year. An ideal candidate would have previous residence life and/or event planning experience though it is not a requirement. Applicants must submit a formal cover letter, resume and letter of recommendation, as well as complete this survey. A detailed position description can be found on the Graduate Life Center website. Apply by Mar 16, 2012. Please contact Lauren Surface at lkeister@vt.edu or Whitney Bortz at whitney8@vt.edu if you have questions.
18. GTA POSITION AVAILABLE FOR AY 2012-13 – 2nd posting
Interested in new media and innovation in teaching and learning? Would you like to work closely with the Faculty Development Institute and Center for Innovation in Learning? Dr. Gardner Campbell, Director of Faculty Development and Innovative Initiatives and Associate Professor of English, has created a position that offers a qualified graduate student a GTA position for AY 2012-13 with the possibility of summer employment. Review of applications begins this Friday, March 2. More information about the position and the application process>> .
19. GLC WAGE POSITIONS NOW OPEN FOR REMAINDER OF SPRING 2012 – 2nd posting
Applications are being accepted for GLC wage positions for the remainder of the semester and beyond. The position ad is posted online, then click the Student tab, and Student Centers & Activities "VT Graduate Student" Pool for Graduate Information Associate and Graduate Services Associate. For more information about the GLC Graduate Services or Information Associates positions, please visit the SCA/GLC Employment Page or email the GLC Operations Manager, Jordan DeWitt, at sjdewitt@vt.edu. The posting closes on Mar 16.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
WORK/LIFE BALANCE PANEL
Tuesday, Mar 13, 12:30–1:30pm, Torg 1100
This panel presentation is designed specifically for graduate students and faculty who struggle to fit an academic career into a fulfilling personal life. Graduate students from all academic disciplines are encouraged to attend. Registration is not required. Learn more at http://frec.vt.edu/fs/.
CONCURRENT WORKSHOPS FOR GRAD STUDENTS
Tuesday, Mar 13, 3:30–4:30pm,
Graduate Life Center
Among other events, the "Showcase of Female Scientists" event features three different concurrent workshops for graduate students and postdocs. Students and postdocs from all academic disciplines are encouraged to attend. Workshop topics are "Making a Life in Blacksburg," "Interview Skills and Curriculum Vita Preparation," and "Stress Management." Advance registration for the graduate student workshops is required.
SHORT STAT COURSE: BAYESIAN METHODS FOR REGRESSION IN R
Tuesday, Mar 13, 5:00-7:00pm, 3060 Torgersen Hall;
The Lab for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis provides 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. Instructions on how to register and earn more>>. This course will cover Bayes’ Rule and how it inspired the Bayesian paradigm of statistics, with particular emphasis on linear regression methods; how Bayesian inference differs from classical/frequentist inference, what tools are needed for Bayesian inference, and when Bayesian inference is superior. Examples will be provided for some simple regression analyses in R. For these examples, participants will interpret output, look at diagnostic plots, and discuss what hypotheses can be tested.
AAUW POWERFUL PRESENCE LUNCH
Wednesday, Mar 14, 12:00-1l:00pm, 1100 Torg (Torgersen Museum)
Join fellow grads and other university women for this month’s power presence lunch to discuss the Women’s Resource Center of the New River Valley. Light refreshments will be provided. To find out more about the Blacksburg Branch of AAUW, please visit their Facebook page.
TAXES 101
Thursday, Mar 15, 6:00pm, Community Ctr Room, C’burg Library (125 Sheltman St)
The BAC of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated presents this tax workshop. Join this interactive presentation where an experienced tax preparer will provide you with free tax information and answer any questions you may have. Even if you have already filed, this is a good opportunity to learn about new tax information provided by the tax preparer. For more information contact Kacie Allen at kaciea1@vt.edu.
BOV GRAD LUNCHEON WITH PRESIDENT STEGER, PROVOST MCNAMEE – Sign up now!
Friday, Mar 16, 12:00-1:30pm, The Inn
Attend the first graduate luncheons of the spring semester with President Steger and Provost McNamee at the Inn at Virginia Tech. Spaces are limited, so if you are interested in attending, please fill out this survey. Graduate students selected for attendance will be contacted by March 14. Contact Michelle McLeese at mmcleese@vt.edu or bovgradrep@vt.edu with any questions.
GLC FELLOWS HIKE TO THE CASCADES
Saturday, Mar 17, 10:30am, meet in front of the GLC on Otey Street
The GLC Fellows will lead this hike up to the beautiful Cascades waterfall. For those who don’t have a car, transportation can be arranged. However, to help with transportation costs, if you are able to drive please consider doing so. Please bring lunch to have a picnic at the top of the falls. If you’re interested, sign up here. For more information contact Eric Hodges at hodgeseb@vt.edu.
SAFE ZONE TRANING FOR GRADS – REGISTER NOW!
Monday, Mar 26, 10:00am-12:00pm, GLC Room B
Interested in becoming Safe-Zone certified? Catherine Cotrupi, VT’s LGBTQ coordinator, offers a grads-only section of the Safe Zone Overview session required to start your certification and training. This session is for individuals interested in learning more about the LGBTQ Community. Topics addressed in the first training session include: common LGBTQ terms; sexual orientation vs. sexual identity; the coming out process; experiences of LGBTQ individuals; how you can be a Safe-Zone ally. Please register here. This is also a sponsored Graduate Education Week event. Contact Catherine at cotrupi@vt.edu for more information.