September 24-30, 2012

1. WEEKLY SERVICES IN THE GLC  – MORE UPDATES!
All weekly services are back with additional counseling hours!

  • Career advising (walk in, no appointment needed): Wednesdays 2:00-5:00pm, GLC Lobby
  • Cook Counseling (walk in, no appointment needed): Thursdays and Fridays 1:00-5:00pm, Green Room
  • GLC Café: 3:30-5:00 every Thursdays, Reading Room
  • Statistical consulting by LISA: Weekdays, 1:00-3:00pm, GLC Videoconference Room
  • Writing Center support for grads: Thursdays 3:00-5:00pm, GLC Videoconference Room (additional hours are available in the Library)

2. SHORT STAT COURSE: DESIGNING SURVEYS
Tuesday, Sep 25, 5:00-7:00pm, GLC
Taught by Dr. Eric Vance, this short course helps students learn how to design a survey to strengthen research by applying statistical thinking to designing a survey and learning the five steps necessary for collecting data that will answer research questions. Topics include sample selection (including sample size calculations), questionnaire design to minimize errors and biases inherent in surveys, pilot testing and re-testing a survey, and implementation. Instructions on how to register and to learn more>>. Courses are held 5:00-7:00 pm. Remaining fall 2012 Schedule:

  • Tuesday, Oct 2: Analyzing Surveys; in GLC
  • Monday, Oct, 8: Introduction to R, Part I; in 3060 TORG
  • Tuesday, Oct 9: Introduction to R, Part II; in 3060 TORG
  • Monday & Tuesday, Oct 15 & 16: How to make plots to tell the story of your data. More information>>.

3. SELF-DEFENSE WORKSHOP – REGISTER NOW!
Wednesday, Sep 26, 12:00pm-1:30pm, GLC Room F
Learn about the basics of personal safety and crime prevention! Topics covered include how NOT to be a victim of crime, common misperceptions of crime, and basic self-defense techniques.  Space is limited so please register online. Questions? Contact Tara Frank. Sponsored by the Graduate Student Services Office and VTPD.

4. SUPPORT YOUR GRAD INTRAMURAL SOCCER TEAM!
Wednesday, Sep 26, 9:30pm, SRA field #3
Come out and support the graduate student soccer team as they compete in their upcoming games! For more information contact GLC Fellow, Emily Eskew.

5. GLC CAFÉ
Thursday, Sep 27, 3:30-5:00pm, GLC Reading Room
The GLC Café is offered throughout the semester with free coffee and tea in the company of your graduate-student and Grad-School colleagues. Bring your own mug if you can. 

6. FIRST BGSO SOCIAL
Friday, Sep 28, 6:00-10:00pm, Sharkey’s Restaurant in downtown Blacksburg
Mingle with members of the Black Graduate Student Organization (BGSO) as they prepare for a successful fall semester at Virginia Tech. If you have any questions, contact Larry at lacox@vt.edu. Follow BGSO on Facebook.

7. SUBMISSIONS ARE INVITED FOR GLC ART, PHOTO AND WRITING CONTEST -1st posting
The Graduate School invites submissions of art work, photography and written work by graduate students for display in the GLC during GLC Open House on Oct 19, 2012 and beyond. Submissions are limited to three pieces (art, photography, or written work) per graduate student. Submission deadline: Tuesday, Oct 16, 5:00pm. Learn more >>.

8. NEW BUSINESS HOURS IN GRAD STUDENT SERVICES
The Graduate School’s student services and advising area (120 GLC) will operate with new business hours starting Oct 1. On Wednesdays the service area will open at 9:30am and close at 6:00pm. This is a pilot program for the fall semester; at the end of fall we will evaluate the impact of this change and decide whether to continue with altered hours or return to an 8-5/M-F schedule. Send comments to grads@vt.edu.

9. INVITATION TO COMPLETE GOBBLERFEST SURVEY
The university would like to hear your feedback about Gobblerfest 2012, hoping that you had an enjoyable experience and learned about resources available to you on campus and in the surrounding community. Please complete a short survey about your experience- it should only take about 10 minutes of your time. If you attended Gobblerfest and respond to this survey, you will automatically be entered to win two (2) tickets to see Kendrick Lamar and Hoodie Allen in Burruss Auditorium in October! Please enter your name and email address at the end of the survey to be entered into the drawings. Access the survey here . The survey will be open until Sep 28 at 11:59pm. The 2012 Gobblerfest Planning Team thanks you for your time and welcomes you to the Hokie Neighborhood!

10. TRAVEL FUND PROGRAM (TFP) NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS – 1st posting
The Graduate Student Assembly’s Travel Fund Program (TFP) is now accepting applications.  The TFP provides monetary support in the form of a reimbursement to graduate students presenting at conferences. The GSA is offering a TFP Application Workshop on Friday, Oct 5, at 5:30pm in the Graduate Life Center, Room G.  The workshop is for students with questions about the application and funding process.  More information about the program, eligibility, application process, and FAQs may be found online; email gsatfpchair@gmail.com  if you have any questions.

11. PHI BETA DELTA INTL EDUCATION HONOR SOCIETY ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS – 1st posting
PBD recognizes the scholarly achievement of international students and scholars, U.S. students who have studied abroad, and faculty and staff who are involved in international activities and provides a network on each campus for faculty, staff, and international students involved in international endeavors. PBD is looking for new members who are willing to help expand program activities and increase PBD’s visibility on campus through work with special events, public relations, awarding of scholarships and recognitions, and membership development.  For more information contact Dr. Amer Fayad, 231-9668.  Applications online; deadline: 10/5. 

12. APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH HONOR SOCIETY – 2nd posting

Iota Delta Rho, the Interdisciplinary Research Honor Society is now accepting applications for membership. Applications and FAQs can be found on IDR’s website. Applications are accepted through Oct 3, 2012. If you have any questions, please contact Tammy Parece, the Vice-President of Membership.
 
13. SUBMIT YOUR EVENT REQUESTS AND IDEAS NOW! – 3rd posting
The GLC Fellows can help you get you what you want, but they need to know what it is first! The Fellows want to plan events and activities that will reach a wide variety of graduate students.  Please fill out this survey so that they can learn more about you and what you would like to see in the Graduate Life Center at Donaldson-Brown. The survey should only take a few minutes of your time.

14. NOMINATE A FACULTY MEMBER! – 3rd posting
The Graduate School is seeking faculty members for a series of lunch time discussions on various topics that may be of interest to graduate students.  Do you know a faculty member who might want to share their research with graduate students?  Or is there a topic area you would like to learn more about?  Let us know by completing the survey. Questions or comments?  Contact Tara Frank.

15. GRA POSITION OPENING – 1st posting
The Sustainable Agriculture and Natural Resource Collaborative Research Support Program (SANREM CRSP) is a USAID-funded project that conducts applied research to support the implementation of sustainable agriculture and natural resource management practices in developing countries. A GRA is sought to conduct research in soil and crop management for conservation agriculture farming systems, soil-based carbon sequestration, and climate change. Must have BS in agronomy, crop or soil science, chemistry, or a closely related field of study that has equipped the applicant with the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position; excellent written and oral English skills. Learn more about the position>>.

16. CALL FOR GSA PROGRAM CHAIR APPLICATIONS – 1st posting
If you are looking to get involved on campus and gain valuable leadership experience, consider serving the graduate student community in a GSA Program Chair position! 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. The GSA is currently accepting applications from pro-active students for Website Director and GSA Historian.  Please view the GSA website at http://www.gsa.graduateschool.edu for a full description of each position. Send a letter of interest, resume/CV, and goals for the academic year if interested.  Please direct any questions and send resumes to Elaine Mathis, VP of Programs. 

17. REVIEWERS NEEDED FOR PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE JOURNAL – 1st posting
The Public Knowledge Journal is seeking reviewers for the 2012-2013 year.  Articles are reviewed through a double-blind peer review process. It’s an excellent opportunity to learn about the ins and outs of the academic publication world, and is a great way to add a line to your CV!  The Public Knowledge Journal is an interdisciplinary graduate student journal committed to the exchange of ideas and information about policy, issues, and research relevant to the public sphere.  More information about the journal>>.  Please contact Stefanie Georgakis at sgeorgakis@vt.edu by Oct 1 if you’re interested in being a peer reviewer for this academic year.

18. PIANIST NEEDED FOR GSAE WINE SOCIAL

The GSA is searching for a pianist to play for about an hour during the fall wine social on Friday, Oct 19, 5–8 pm. If you are able to play and interested in providing live entertainment for fellow graduate students please contact the GSA. The volunteer will receive free entry to the event, which includes wine and snacks.  A piano will be provided and you are not expected to play for the entire time.  It is preferred that any interested volunteers have a piano available for an audition before obtaining the job.  Please direct any questions to Cory Brozina, Events Chair.   

19. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO FORM GSA RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM SUB-COMMITTEES
Monday, Oct 1, 5:00-6:00pm, GLC Student Lounge
The GSA is looking for sub-committee members to help plan the Research Symposium on Mar 27, 2013. The meeting on Oct 1 is dedicated to forming sub-committees for judging, sponsorship, the keynote speaker, and event promotion. This is a great way to gain event-planning experience, boost your resume, and be involved in one of the GSA’s largest events of the year. For more information contact George (gpb2c@vt.edu) or Diana (dwilson4@vt.edu), co-chairs of the Research Symposium.

20. CHILD PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR STORYTELLING ACTIVITY – 1st posting
Researchers are looking for children aged 8-10 to participate in a study on enactment-based creative storytelling.  The child will be asked to enact and create stories using gestures and physical objects. The storytelling session will last around an hour, and will take place on the VT campus conducted by researchers from the VT Center for Human-Computer Interaction. Researchers are also willing to keep your child for longer should it be more convenient for you.  Transport arrangements can also be made if necessary. Please contact Sharon at sharilyn@vt.edu or 540-998 6488 if interested in participating.

21. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR READING PRACTICES STUDY – 2nd posting

Participants are needed for a study investigating reading practices on different media (i.e., paper, computer, iPad). This study will take around 3 hours to complete and participants will be compensated $10/hour (total $30). Requirements: Native English speaker, age 35-80. If interested, please contact Kyunghui Oh at khoh@vt.edu for further details.

22. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR LOAD-HOLDING STUDY – 3rd posting
Participants are needed for a study about the ergonomic research on manufacturing tasks.  The study consists of two sessions of about 1-2 and 3-4 hours respectively.  Requirements: male or female with no recent history of musculoskeletal disorders within the age range of 18-30 years.  Participants will be compensated $10/hr.  If interested, please contact Chelsea Susbilla at csus218@vt.edu for further details.

23. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR STUDY ON HISTORIC BATTLEFIELDS – 3rd posting
Participants are needed for a survey on the public education and perception of historic battlefields among the VT community. As a potential participant, your opinions may be important. Your involvement is entirely voluntary and there are no known or anticipated risks by participating in this study. The survey should take less than 20 minutes and you will receive $5.00 as compensation. If you have any questions about this study or would like additional information, please contact Shamsul Abu Bakar (shunown1@vt.edu/540-449-9174). This study has been approved by the VT-IRB.

24. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR SURVEY EXPLORING PURCHASING BEHAVIORS – 3rd posting
A VT graduate student in industrial design is conducting a survey to gather feedback on sustainable purchasing behaviors. The survey takes no more than 10 minutes. All responses will be kept anonymous. If you are interested in participating, please open the survey at https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1346374534747. Contact Yushi by email at yushi@vt.edu with any questions.

25. UPCOMING EVENTS:

CXWORX FITNESS CLASSES FOR GRADS
Monday, Oct 1, 9:00-10:00am, GLC Multipurpose Room
If you are looking for a short, sharp workout that will inspire you to get to the next level of fitness, CXWORX might be for you! Based on cutting-edge scientific research, this brand new 30-minute format combines the best of personal training with the energy of a group fitness class. Choreographed routines and chart-topping music will bring you back for more: CXWORX hones in on the torso and sling muscles that connect your upper body to your lower body. It’s ideal for tightening your tummy and butt, while also improving functional strength and assisting in injury prevention. Bring a towel and some water and join personal trainer, Emily, for the following dates in the GLC Multipurpose room to test out CXWORX: Monday, Oct 1, 9:00-10:00am; Thursday, Nov 1, 9:00-10:00am; Thursday, Dec 13, 6:00-7:00pm, all in the GLC Multipurpose Room. Sponsored by the GLC Fellows; contact Emily Eskew at eceskew@vt.edu for more details.

CREATING A CULTURE OF ASSESSMENT IN THE DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS
Monday, Oct 1, 12-1:30pm, GLC Room C
This fall, the Office of Assessment & Evaluation will host a series of brown bag interactive chats on topics and issues related to the design, promotion, and facilitation of a culture of continuous improvement at the university. These chats are intended to provide the broader education community with ideas and practices that encourage innovation in all areas that affect student learning at Virginia Tech.  This session will focus on assessment in student affairs and is presented by Martha Glass, Associate Director of Administration for Assessment, Division of Student Affairs.  Please register at http://www.cideronline.org/events/events2.cfm

GET INVOLVED WITH THE GRADUATE HONOR SYSTEM!

The Graduate Honor System is currently recruiting student and faculty volunteers to serve as panelists who hear and decide on cases. Interested individuals need to attend any one of the one-hour training sessions, and then will be able to serve on cases as their schedules allow. Training schedule:

  • Monday, Oct 1, 4:00pm, GLC videoconference room
  • Wednesday, Oct 3, 2:00pm. GLC Room D
  • Friday, Oct 5, 11:00am, GLC videoconference room

If you are interested, please email ghs@vt.edu.

VT HOSTS ‘DEMOCRACY NOW!’
Monday, Oct 1, 7:00pm, McBryde Hall 100
Democracy Now! is an independent, non-profit news program broadcast on TV, radio, and the internet. As part of their 100-city tour between the Democratic and Republican National Conventions and election day, Democracy Now! will be hosted at Virginia Tech. Award-winning journalist and Democracy Now! host Amy Goodman will be hosting the event with a focus on the issues of violence. Come and enjoy this rare opportunity presented for the Virginia Tech community. This message is posted on behalf of graduate student George Batten. 

GSA CUPCAKES WITH THE DEAN

Tuesday, Oct 2, 12:00–1:30pm, Graduate School Lobby
Please join the Grad School Dean Dr. Karen DePauw, GSA representatives and fellow graduate students for cupcakes and discussion. This is an exciting opportunity to meet Dean DePauw and bring up any questions or concerns you might have and mingle with fellow graduate students while enjoying delicious cupcakes.  Discussion will take place in the.  We hope to see you there!  Please direct any questions to Elaine Mathis, VP of Programs (efm28@vt.edu).

PAYCHECK TAXES: WHAT IS FIT/SIT & WHY DO YOU HAVE TO PAY THEM?
Wednesday, Oct 3, 3:00pm, GLC Room G
This workshop will provide an in-depth explanation of the taxes that are required to be withheld from your VT paycheck and how the taxes are calculated. If you have questions, please contact international tax specialist, Janet Kunz, at jakunz@vt.edu.

THE DEBATES: YOU DECIDE
October 3, 16 and 22, 9:00-10:30pm, GLC TV Lounge
Watch the nationally televised presidential debates with your fellow graduate students in the GLC TV lounge and engage in dialogue about foreign & domestic policies, campaigns and issues that matter to you and your vote for 2012 presidential elections. Sponsored by GLC Fellows. Contact Emily Eskew at eceskew@vt.edu if you have any questions.

SAFE ZONE 101 TRANING FOR GRADS – REGISTER NOW!
Friday, Oct 5, 1:00pm-3:00pm, GLC Room B
Interested in becoming Safe-Zone certified? 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, and how you can be a Safe-Zone ally. Please register here.  Questions?  Contact Tara Frank at tara@vt.edu.  Sponsored by Multicultural Programs and Services and the Graduate Student Services Office.