1. WEEKLY SERVICES IN THE GLC
- Career services advising: Wednesdays, 1:30-5:00pm, 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: Weekdays, 1:00-3:00pm, GLC Videoconference Room
- Writing support: Thursdays 7:00-9:00pm, GLC Videoconference Room; contact Emily Love, remily4@vt.edu
2. 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 at stuartma@vt.edu.
3. GRADUATE EDUCATION WEEK! – Full schedule here
4. ETD REVIEW RUSH!
Monday, Mar 26, 9:30-10:30am;
Tuesday, Mar 27, 2:30-3:30pm;
Thursday, Mar 29, 10-11am, all in GLC Room C
If you are graduating this semester and finishing up your ETD, come to one of these sessions to have a pre-submission review of your ETD by Graduate School staff and make sure that it is ready to be submitted. Bring your laptop and a copy of your ETD in pdf format. Contact gradappl@vt.edu or 540-231-8636 with any questions.
5. 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 for more information. Free GEW t-shirts at this event.
6. CAREER BOOSTER SEMINARS
Tuesday, Mar 27, 4:00-5:00pm, GLC Rooms C and F
The job search processes for industry and academic positions are unique. Participate in the academic job search seminar in Room C, or the industry search one in Room F to understand how best to approach your job search and learn what you might experience in the process. Sponsored by Career Services. Free GEW t-shirts at this event.
7. DANCING AND SMOOTHIES
Tuesday, Mar 27, 7:00pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
Take a mini-vacation from your research and recharge by breaking a sweat to the popular Wii game, Just Dance! Afterwards, enjoy smoothies provided by the GLC Fellows. Free GEW t-shirts at this event.
8. COMMUNITY VOICES: GRAD ROUNDTABLE AND EVENING TALK
Tuesday, Mar 27, Grad Roundtable in the GLC, talk: 7:00pm, Lyric Theatre
Bob Summers, Entrepreneur and Founder of TechPad will present "Project Blacksburg: The Growing of an Open Source Community.” Summers specializes in Internet software companies for the consumer and enterprise markets. A graduate student roundtable on this topic will take place Tuesday, 3/27 in the GLC, time & room location TBA. Contact Andy Morikawa for information at andymorikawa@vt.edu. This event was submitted by graduate student KatePreston.
9. GSA RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM AND EXPOSITION
Wednesday, Mar 28, 9:00am-3:00pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
The symposium is a unique opportunity for students to interact with each other to pave the way for interdisciplinary research discussion and collaboration. The event promises to be an interactive networking forum between participants, faculty, departments, research entities and corporate bodies. The program features oral and poster presentations by students from various disciplines. Detailed schedule>>.
10. GSA RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM KEYNOTE: DAN PALLOTTA
Wednesday, Mar 28, 6:30pm, GLC Auditorium
Author of Uncharitable and writer for the Harvard Business Review, Dan Pallotta will provide a new perspective on for-profit charity organizations. His company, Pallotta Teamworks, invented the multi-day AIDSRides and Breast Cancer 3-Days. His work has been called "revolutionary" by former US senator Gary Hart and, according to The Stanford Social Innovation Review, his contribution "deserves to become the nonprofit sector’s new manifesto". This event is part of Graduate Education Week and is free and open to the public.
11. LOUNGE AT THE LIBRARY
Thursday, Mar 29, 11:30am-1:00pm, Grad Lounge at 416 Newman Library
Enjoy a free light lunch and informational session with subject librarians available to assist you with your research questions.
12. GSS PRESENTS: lumenHAUS TOURS
Thursday, Mar 29, 11:00am; Register here
Friday, Mar 30, 2:00pm; Register here
The Grad Scholars Society hosts these tours of the award-winning solar house designed and built by a team of VT students and faculty. Advance registration required. You will receive a confirmation when your registration is accepted. Contact Wes Cardwell at wcardwel@vt.edu with questions.
13. GRAD NIGHT AT THE LYRIC: EXTREMELY LOUD & INCREDIBLY CLOSE
Thursday, Mar 29, 7:00 and 9:30pm, The Lyric
Enjoy a free night at the movies with fellow grads, compliments of the Graduate School and The Lyric in recognition of Graduate Education Week. Pick up a free ticket at the GLC Information Desk or in 110 GLC while supplies last.
14. EINSTEIN’S TELESCOPE: THE HUNT FOR DARK MATTER AND DARK ENERGY IN THE UNIVERS
Thursday, Mar 29, 7:00pm book signing; 7:30pm lecture, GLC Auditorium
Dr. Evalyn Gates, executive director and CEO of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, discusses the search for an unknown dark energy in the universe. Sponsored by the Department of Physics, College of Science, the Graduate School, and Women in Leadership and Philanthropy.
15. STS ANNUAL LECTURE: URANIUM FROM AFRICA AND THE POWER OF NUCLEAR THINGS
Friday, Mar 30, 3:00pm, Torg 2150
The department of Science and Technology in Society presents the 23rd annual Nicholas Mullins lecture on uranium from Africa and the power of nuclear things, presented by Dr. Gabrielle Hecht, professor of history at the University of Michigan. A reception will follow the lecture. For more information contact grad student Monique Dufour at msdufour@vt.edu.
16. GRAD OLYMPICS 2012 – register by Mar 27!
Friday, Mar 30, 3:00-4:30pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
This light-hearted competition among graduate student teams will put your wit, physical skills and team spirit to the test. Up to ten teams of 4-5 members may compete for great prizes (including $50 gift certificate to The Cellar). No prior experience necessary, but resourcefulness and knowledge of the GLC are a plus. All materials are provided. Register by 3/27. You will be notified if your registration is accepted.
17. BIG COOK OUT
Friday, Mar 30, 4:30-6:30pm, GLC and Grad School lawn
Enjoy free food, music, and games at this luau-themed cook out. Learn a hula dance and compete for prizes by wearing your wildest Hawaiian shirt. If shines, food will be served on the Grad School patio. If rains, food service will be in the Grad School lobby. But one way or another, there will be food, music, and fun, so take part of it! Remaining GEW t-shirts will be handed out at this event while supplies last.
18. SONG OF KOREA CULTURE SHOW
Saturday, Mar 31, 7:00pm, GLC Auditorium
The Korean American Student Association invites you to attend its annual culture show, Song of Korea. Enjoy a show about Korean culture while following the story of Kwon Park. Doors open at 6:30pm
19. 2012 INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH ESSAY CONTEST – 1st posting
Iota Delta Rho, an interdisciplinary honor society at VT, invites all students to participate in this year’s essay contest! Write 500 words or less answering the following question: Choose a public audience (not a university-based one; i.e. an elementary school class, church group, or members of Congress). How would you explain to them the value of interdisciplinary research? Submit your essay to Carol Johnson, along with a cover page that includes the essay title, applicant name, program/college/degree level, and a short biography. Deadline: Sunday, Apr 1, midnight. The winner will receive a prize and acknowledgement at the upcoming IDR Day on Apr 10. More information on Iota Delta Rho >>.
20. SCUBA/OPEN WATER DIVE CERTIFICATION WITH OCVT
The Outdoor Club at Virginia Tech is organizing a open water dive certification class for students and club members who are interested in diving. The class is for beginners and will teach necessary skills for diving up to 40ft independently. Certification is good for life. To sign up and get detailed information, visit: http://tinyurl.com/82cqedv. Email Nimal Lobo at nlobo@vt.edu with questions.
21. AEL MEMBERSHIP APPLICATIONS NOW ACCEPTED – 3rd posting
Alpha Epsilon Lambda (AEL) Graduate Honor Society, the only academic excellence and leadership honor society of graduate and professional school students, is now accepting applications for new members. Graduate students may become members based on their academic achievements and leadership experiences. Apply by Apr 1. The induction ceremony for new members will take place on Thursday, Apr 26. For more information visit the AEL website (see above) or contact Andrea Tiwari at ajtiwari@vt.edu with any questions.
22. BAD DESIGN CONTEST – 3rd posting
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.
23. CALL FOR GSA PROGRAM CHAIR APPLICATIONS – 1st posting
If you are looking to get involved and gain valuable leadership experience, consider serving the graduate student community as a GSA Program Chair. As program chair, you will have the opportunity to be creative, work with a diverse group of students, and actively participate in an assortment of events. Applications are currently accepted from proactive students for the following positions: Website Director, Research Symposium Chair, Graduate & Professional School Fair Chair, Graduate Research & Development Program Chair, Travel Fund Program Chair, GSA Events Chair, and GSA Historian. Please view the GSA website for a full description of each position. Contact the current chairs with any position-specific questions. Application deadline: Friday, Apr 6. Submit letter of interest, resume/CV, and goals for 2012-2013. Interviews will be conducted the following week. Direct general questions and send resumes to Elaine Mathis, efm28@vt.edu.
24. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR SPEAKING UNITED – ENCOUNTERING DIFFERENCE
International students who enjoy the arts, painting, singing, dancing, reciting poetry and expressing themselves through any artistic form are invited to participate in this opportunity to interact through different artistic forms and encounter different cultures in an atmosphere of joy and enthusiasm. The event will take place on the Drillfield on Wednesday, Apr 4. If interested, contact Yanka Petkova yanka1@vt.edu or call 540-577-7342; may also submit poetry quotes in your national language or in any dialect. Deadline: Mar 29.
25. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR DIVERSITY FOCUS GROUPS – 1st posting
To facilitate a movement toward developing and maintaining inclusive excellence at VT, H.O.K.I.E. roundtable events (Honoring Our Kinship Through Inclusive Excellence) will take place to offer the opportunity for faculty, staff, and students to share their perspectives and offer suggestions for improvement. The goal of H.O.K.I.E. is to evaluate where VT currently stands in relation to the core principles of diversity, inclusion, and equity. Not only will the roundtable serve to educate faculty, staff, and students, it will also be used as a forum for feedback on how the participants feel these principles have been handled within the university. Six different sessions will be held with the topics of: race, gender, sexual orientation, ability, religion and age. The groups will begin in April. If you are interested in attending, please contact doctoral student Natasha Cox at nacox@vt.edu.
26. RESEARCH PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR STUDY ON UNLOADING PANEL WALLS – 1st posting
Participants will be required to perform several manual material handling tasks required to unload panel walls from a panel stack. Two-hour session plus 20-min preliminary session for a $10/hr compensation. Must be 18-40, male or 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/wk). If interested, contact Courtney Haynes at 724-272-8574, chaynes7@vt.edu.
27. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR BIOMECHANICS STUDY – 1st posting
Participants are sought for a study investigating the effects of load size and weight and the use of assistive devices during load carriage. Participants are invited to complete either or both of two separate experimental sessions (each lasting approximately 2-3 hrs) and will be compensated $10/hour. During these sessions, participants will be asked to carry a variety of loads across a path or on a treadmill. Must be male, 18-35 years old, regularly exercise at least 2-3 times/wk, and have a relatively low body fat percentage. For more information or to inquire about participation, please contact Khoirul at khoirul@vt.edu. Please include your age, gender, and general availability when responding.
28. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR EFFECTS OF IMMERSION IN ANALYSIS OF
MICRO-CT DATASETS STUDY – 2nd 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 answering a few questions related to two selected micro-CT datasets, which will be volume-visualized on a state-of-the-art head-mounted display system, in the Blacklab of the center for HCI and department of computer science at KnowledgeWorks-II building of CRC. The whole experiment lasts about an hour. 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: http://people.cs.vt.edu/blaha/schedule.html . Please email to blaha@vt.edu, with your preferred time slot to sign up for your participation. Researchers are providing free pickup and drop service from Cassell Coliseum to study venue and return to Cassell Coliseum for all participants signing up after Mar 7.
29. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR A STUDY ON ANKLE SPRAIN RISK FACTORS – 3rd posting
Healthy, young adults (18-35) with and without a history of ankle sprains are sought for participation in an IRB-approved research project on ankle sprain risk factors. The project consists of 3 sessions, of which participants may complete one or a combination. Participants must perform a series of static and dynamic athletic tasks to assess the effects of running speed on motor control (study 1), perform single leg drop landings before and after fatigue (study 2), and complete ankle stiffness and position sense evaluations under fatigued and braced conditions (study 3). Compensation: $10/hr. Requirements: Active (exercising at least 2-3/wk); either no history of ankle sprains or ≥ 2 sprains to the same ankle; No current and/or chronic pain in ankles, knees, hips, back, or neck; No prior joint surgeries on the lower limbs; No neuropathies, muscle weakness, vestibular disorders, or current injuries; Not currently using ankle tape or braces for exercise or participating in physical rehabilitation. If interested, contact Courtney Haynes by at chaynes7@vt.edu, 724-272-8574.
30. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR STUDY ON WORKING IN GROUPS – 3rd posting
The VT Center for Human-Computer Interaction invites you to participate in a study of users playing a design game together, to study how people interact with one another in coming up with design ideas. Participants will be entered into a raffle for one of two $100 prizes (there will be at most 36 participants in this raffle). You will be asked to play a computer-based design game with 2 other players. Available 1-hour time slots are listed at https://bitly.com/designgamestudy. If interested, email tgm+dg@vt.edu <mailto:tgm%2Bdg@vt.edu> for more information or to request any of the listed time slots, or to request a different time. The study takes place in McBryde 106A.
31. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR DISSERTATION STUDY ON MUSCLE ENDURANCE – 3rd posting
You are invited to participate in a VT dissertation research study on muscle endurance. Participants will perform a set of endurance tests involving the shoulder in a laboratory setting in the Industrial and Systems Engineering department. The study consists of 2 sessions, each lasting about 1 hr. Compensation: $15/hour. Requirements: not involved in any regular aerobic or resistance training, age 18-25 or 50-65, and no current or recent history of a physical disorder affecting the shoulder. Overweight individuals are especially needed. Study protocols have been approved by the VT IRB (11-597). Please contact Lora Cavuoto at lcavuoto@vt.edu with any questions or if interested in participating.
32. HRC GRADUATE FELLOW POSITION OPENING FOR 2012-13 – 1st posting
The HRC Graduate Fellow serves the intellectual life and educational mission of the
Honors Residential College (HRC) and University Honors. The fellow will take an active part in the college, work closely with the Faculty principal, the Honors staff, and the Student Life Coordinator (SLC) to provide leadership for the HRC. Must reside in the HRC; work 20 hrs/wk; perform administrative tasks, serve as a resource and liaison, attend staff meetings and training sessions; maintain office hours; conduct HRC tours; other duties. Compensation: Housing and meal plan and in-state tuition scholarship. To learn more about the HRC and this position, visit http://www.housing.vt.edu/llc/hrc/index.php. To apply, send pdfs of a cover letter of interest and a résumé or CV to Dr. Robert Stephens, Principal of the HRC, at rosteph2@vt.edu before 5:00pm on Friday, Mar 30. Address questions to Dr. Stephens.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
ASSESSMENT BROWN BAG LUNCH: USING FOCUS GROUPS
Monday, Apr 2, 12:00-1:30pm, GLC Room C
Focus groups provide an alternative to surveys or to face-to-face interviews as a way to collect valid information important for the evaluation of a program. This session will focus on how to organize, deliver, and report results from a focus group. This event is sponsored by the Office of Assessment and Evaluation.
CONFLICT RESOLUTION DIALOGUE WITH FACULTY AND OMBUDSPERSON
Tuesday, Apr 3, 3:30-5:00pm, GLC Room C
To foster successful advisor-advisee relationships, there will be a dialogue on conflict resolution in graduate education. Panelists are Dr. Anne McNabb, biological sciences, Dr. Marc Edwards, civil engineering, and Ms. Ennis McCrery graduate ombudsperson. Register here. Contact Akiko Nakamura at nakamura@vt.edu with any questions about this event.
MOVIE NIGHT: LIMITLESS
Tuesday, Apr 3, 8:00pm, GLC TV Lounge
Come and watch the movie “Limitless” together with fellow Graduate students. More information about the movie and a trailer can be found at: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1219289/. Light refreshments will be provided!
GRAD DIVERSITY SCHOLARS PRESENT: FILM AND DISCUSSION ON A MUSLIM WOMAN’S PERSPECTIVE
Thursday, Apr 5, 6:30-8:30pm, GLC Room F
A Muslim Woman’s Perspective is an intimate look at a diverse group of Muslim women living in the Pacific Northwest in the USA. By creating a forum where Muslim women can freely engage in an open dialogue about complex issues, filmmaker Farah Nousheen exposes a vast and fascinating array of thoughts and ideas. This event is posted on behalf of doctoral student Heba El-Shazli, heba@vt.edu.
IDR DAY 2012
Tuesday, Apr 10, 5:00-9:30pm, The Inn at Virginia Tech
The Interdisciplinary Research Honor Society (IDR) is sponsoring the 2nd Interdisciplinary Research Day (IDR Day 2012) at Virginia Tech. Enjoy an evening of exciting discussions about transdisciplinarity and interdisciplinarity. The event will begin with welcoming new honor members into the society and a review of this year’s accomplishments. Then the audience will subdivide into groups to tackle modern-day wicked problems through creative integration of the different disciplines represented in the group. Dinner is provided. Registration is FREE but required due to limited spaces. All students, faculty and staff are encouraged to attend. Event program and registration>>.
DISTRESSED CITIES CONFERENCE
Thursday and Friday, Apr 12-13
Please join the School of Public and International Affairs for a conference on Distressed Cities, hosted on VT’s Blacksburg campus. Check the conference website for details: http://distressedcities.wordpress.com. This message is posted on behalf of doctoral student Anja Bieri.
15TH ANNUAL EBONY AFFAIR: A CRYSTAL STAIR – REGISTER NOW!
Friday, Apr 13, 7:00-9:00pm, Custom Catering Center
The Black Graduate Student Organization invites you to their annual Ebony Affair, a semi-formal red-carpet dinner banquet recognizing outstanding faculty members, students, and community members who actively engage in their motto: “Lifting As We Climb.” The Ebony Affair provides exposure to cultural expressions, and facilitates networking opportunities among students, faculty, staff, and the community. Invited guests and sponsors include university departments, community organizations and business, and individuals from the community. Tickets can be purchased online at http://www.bgso.org.vt.edu/sponsors.html for $12 each, which includes dinner, gift bag, and entertainment following the event. If you have any questions, please contact Shernita Lee, shernita@vt.edu.