1. WEEKLY SERVICES IN THE GLC – updated 2/18/13!
- No career advising on Feb 20. Service will resume on Feb 27; 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; find out each consultant’s software expertise>>
- Writing Center support for grads: Thursdays 4:00-6:00pm, GLC Videoconference Room (additional hours are available in the Library)
2. EMPLOYER/STUDENT PANEL
Monday, Feb 18, 7:00-9:00pm, Old Dominion Ballroom, Squires
This event provides an opportunity for students to ask employers questions, with a networking session to follow. Employers on the panel include: FedBid, WaltDisneyWorld, CapitalOne, Bosch, Apex, CDW and more.
This event is hosted by VT Career Services.
3. CONNECTION CO-OP/INTERNSHIP JOB FAIR
Tuesday, Feb 19, 10:00am-4:00pm, Squires Student Center
This event is hosted by VT Career Services. Complete listing of employers attending>>.
4. RELAY FOR LIFE KICK OFF
Wednesday, Feb 20, 4:00-7:00pm, McComas Gym
Grad Liaison for VT Relay for Life Erin Littleton invites you to this kickoff event with free food, raffles, fundraisers, and prizes. Enjoy music by DJ Rhetorik, Juxtaposition, and Soulstice. Attend this free event and have some fun as you learn more about Relay For Life.
5. FEEDING AMERICA HUNGER-STUDY INTEREST MEETING
Wednesday, Feb 20, 5:00-7:00pm, 116 Burruss
Feeding America is recruiting volunteers for its sixth extensive study of hunger in America and the charitable food distribution network. The study combines a census of food assistance partners and a client survey. Volunteers are needed to administer the survey between March and August 2013. This interest meeting covers the details of the Hunger in America 2014 study, and provides an opportunity for volunteers to sign up for participation. The event is hosted by VT Engage. For more information contact Michele James-Deramo, 231-6947.
6. THE DANGER OF A SINGLE STORY
Wednesday, Feb 20, 7:00pm, Squires Old Dominion Ballroom
This video demonstrates through story-telling how biases can influence individuals’ perspective of a person, country or culture. The stories provide an opportunity to learn and share experiences about diversity with others for the goal of helping promote a positive campus climate and meaningful interactions related to diversity. There will be a panel discussion following the video; the audience is encouraged to participate. This event is co-sponsored by GLC-Partner Cook Counseling Center.
7. GLC FELLOWS INFO SESSION
Thursday, Feb 21, 12:00-1:00pm, GLC Room B
Learn more about what GLC Fellows do for residents and visitors of the Graduate Life Center and find out if you are qualified for the position. Current fellows and their supervisors will be on hand to answer questions about the application process and the position. Contact Lauren Surface for more information.
8. VIRTUAL GLC CAFÉ SERIES: GRADUATING THIS SEMESTER?
Thursday, Feb 21, 12:30-2:00pm, Lobby of vGLC
Join the Graduate School Staff weekly for online chats in the Virtual Graduate Life Center (vGLC). This week’s topic: Spring Graduation. Get into the vGLC lobby. The vGLC extends VT’s graduate-education community from campus to computer. Using avatars they have created, visitors to the vGLC can currently visit with Graduate-School staff about general academic questions; find Grad-School forms and policy information; consult with the Graduate Student Ombudsperson; attend virtual seminars and workshops; and explore the vGLC space, which mirrors the real-world Graduate Life Center on the Blacksburg campus. Download the software>>. If you have questions or suggestions, please email Marija Telbis-Forster.
9. GLC CAFÉ
Thursday, Feb 21, 3:30-5:00pm, Graduate School Lobby
The GLC Café is offered throughout the year with free coffee, tea and cookies in the company of your graduate-student and Grad-School colleagues.
10. KIDS’ NIGHT OUT – FREE CHILDCARE ON THU NIGHTS
Thursdays, 6:00-8:30pm, VT Women’s Center 206 Washington Street
A free weekly drop-in evening child care program for kids. Need a break? Have to study or attend a lecture? Want to catch up on work? If you are a VT student with children, bring your kids aged 2-12. No need to pre-register. Childcare provided by the women of Chi Delta Alpha sorority. KNO will be held every Thursday throughout the semester except when classes are not in session. Please note that if no children have shown, volunteers will sometimes leave by 6:30.) For more information, contact Jessie Meltsner.
11. IDR MARCH SPEAKER SPOTLIGHT: DR. DENIS GRACANIN
Friday, February 22, 12-1pm in the GLC Meeting Room F
Iota Delta Rho, the Interdisciplinary Research Honor Society presents Dr. Denis Gracanin, Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science. He will be discussing interdisciplinary experiences from the development of Virginia Tech’s award-winning smart and sustainable LumenHaus. His talk is entitled "Sustainable Built Environments: Empowering Users to Make Sustainable Energy Choices." Come enjoy a lively talk and complimentary lunch. If you have any questions, please contact Elizabeth Elvington, the Social Spotlight Series Chair.
12. CXWORX WORK-OUT CLASS IN THE GLC
Saturday, Feb 23, 3:15pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
Join GLC Fellow Emily as she leads the Les Mills 30-minute core class, CXWORX, in the GLC Multipurpose room. Wear comfortable clothes and sneakers and bring water and a towel. Contact Emily with any questions. Additional sessions are scheduled for Apr 4 8:15pm; Apr 9 8:15pm; and Apr 23 8:15pm.
13. CHINESE NEW YEAR AND LANTERN FESTIVAL
Saturday, Feb 23, 6:30pm, Burruss Hall Auditorium
Chinese graduate students invite you to Chinese New Year, the most important of traditional Chinese holidays. Chinese New Year is an occasion for families to gather for the annual reunion dinner; thoroughly cleanse the house in order to sweep away any ill-fortune and to make way for good incoming luck. In China, celebrations last 15 days. Feb 24 is the Lantern Festival, which is the end of the Chinese New Year celebration. In this festival, people will solve riddles on the lanterns and eat glutinous rice balls. In order to preserve and promote Chinese culture and share Chinese tradition with other communities, the VT Association of Chinese Students and Scholars will host this festival, which includes singing, instruments, dance and more. Free snacks, free admission, lottery gifts! For more information contact Yanqing Fu.
14. SUBMISSIONS ARE INVITED FOR GLC ART, PHOTO AND WRITING CONTEST – 2nd posting
The Graduate School invites submissions of art work, photography and written work by graduate students for display in the GLC during Graduate Education Week 2013 (March 25-29) and beyond. Submissions are limited to three pieces (art, photography, or written work) per graduate student. Submission deadline: Wednesday, March 20 5:00pm. Learn more>>. Contact Monika Gibson at gibsonm@vt.edu with any questions.
15. SIGN UP NOW FOR GEW DESIGN CONTEST: DREAM & DESIGN YOUR IDEAL GLC!
Graduate student teams are invited to sign up for this Graduate Education Week (GEW) activity to create and design your ideal Graduate Life Center using materials provided by the Graduate School. Teams should be comprised of 3-4 people, at least one of whom must be a graduate student. Prizes will be given for the best design! Teams must pre-register here. Accepted registrations will be confirmed by email. Questions? Contact Tara at tara@vt.edu.
16. GRADUATE RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS – 1st posting
The Graduate Student Assembly’s Graduate Research Development Program (GRDP) is now accepting applications. GRDP provides monetary support to graduate students for research associated with their thesis or dissertation. The maximum awards are $500 for master’s students and $700 for doctoral students. To submit applications or for more information about the program, eligibility, application process, and FAQs, go to http://www.gsa.graduateschool.vt.edu/funding/grdp. Applications are due by Mar 15, 2013. Email Amanda Shea (ashea04@vt.edu) with any questions.
17. FREE ONE-ON-ONE NUTRITION GUIDANCE OFFERED BY NUTRITION STUDENTS – 1st posting
Do you need nutrition guidance? Are you interested in improving your food choices or learning how to make healthy choices in the dining halls? Perhaps you would like to understand how to combine nutrition and exercise to lose weight. If you have any of these concerns, senior nutrition students can help you take the next steps toward building a healthier life. The Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise department at Virginia Tech provides free one-on-one nutrition counseling services to any interested students, faculty, or staff. Sign up at http://www.hnfe.vt.edu and click on the Nutrition Counseling link to fill out the registration form today.
18. CITIZEN SCHOLAR APPLICATIONS INVITED – 1st posting
Have you used your knowledge and research skills to benefit society in any way? Has this effort involved about 16 hrs of community service? If so, you are eligible for the Citizen Scholar award! Recipients will be recognized during Graduate Education Week at the GLC on Monday, Mar 25 from 4-5:30. Each person will have a chance to explain their project briefly using one power point slide. Please send your name and project title/brief description to Associate Dean Rosemary Blieszner, by March 8 – and mark your calendar for March 25.
19. WANT TO BE A MENTOR, BUT DON’T HAVE TIME? – 2nd posting
Any day, any time, any location—as convenient for you! Join the GUMP Grads-on-Demand program, and mentor undergrads only when you have time. Email gump@vt.edu with your name, degree program (MA, MSc, PhD, etc.), department, expected graduation date (roughly), and preferred email address. Your info will be added to a list of graduate student volunteers at the GUMP website. Whenever an undergraduate student wants to ask some questions about graduate school in your discipline, we’ll refer him/her to the list online, and s/he’ll contact you directly. Schedule one meeting that fits your schedule, or multiple meetings if you’d like. (Or just tell the undergrad, “Sorry, I’m really swamped right now,” and hope you have more time for the next one!) Help by email, phone, Skype, over coffee, in your lab… It’s up to you. It’s a huge help to undergrads considering grad school and it makes for great university service on a CV.
20. PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE JOURNAL LATEST ISSUE IS AVAILABLE NOW – 2nd posting
Public Knowledge Journal is pleased to announce the publication of Issue 4.2 on Intervention. View the newest issue at http://pkjournal.org/, featuring a number of contributions from members of the Virginia Tech community, including VT graduate students Brendan Halloran, Stefanie Georgakis, Quentin Stoeffler, and Sabrina Provencher, as well as an introductory essay by Dr. Max Stephenson.
21. TEACHING AND RESEARCH ACTION PHOTOS WANTED! – 2nd posting
The Graduate School wants your teaching and research in action photos. One of the highlights of the fall and spring graduate commencement ceremony includes a presentation by Dean Karen DePauw called "Images and Reflections," which is projected on the Coliseum video board. The Graduate School wants to update its photo library and hope that you can share your digital photos in which you are engaged in some type of academic endeavor – teaching, tutoring, performing research, giving a workshop, attending a conference or professional society meeting, or any aspect that relates to your life as a graduate student. Please send digital photos to grads@vt.edu.
22. CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS FOR PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE JOURNAL – 2nd posting
For its fifth anniversary issue, PKJ welcomes contributions from graduate student scholars that address the topic of resilience in its myriad forms. Submissions that critically engage with and creatively examine this topic are encouraged. Details>>. Suggested themes include, but are not limited to: Resilience of the body, mind, and/or spirit; resilience of a culture, religion, or society; Resilience of a nation or people; Resilience of materials and/or resources; Resilience of systems or structures (e.g., ecosystems, economic systems).
23. WRITING SUPPORT RESOURCES
Need extra writing support? Sign up for a writing coach/partner through the Writing Center. Your coach will meet with you on a weekly basis to help you improve your writing skills. And it’s free! If you are interested, contact the Writing Center at 540/231-5436 or stop by the center on the second floor of Newman Library.
24. 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 no later than Feb 26 by 5 p.m. For more information visit the AEL website or contact Shernita Lee, president of AEL, with any questions.
25. FREE STATS ASSISTANCE FOR GRADS FROM LISA
Walk-in consulting services at the Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis=LISA) begin on Jan 22 and will be available until May 8 Monday-Friday 1:00-3:00pm in the GLC Videoconference Room; additional times and locations available at www.lisa.stat.vt.edu. Statistical consultants answer quick questions and help with research projects requiring less than 30 minutes of assistance. For more in-depth questions or longer projects, complete the LISA Collaboration Request Form at www.lisa.stat.vt.edu and a team of statistical collaborators will be assigned to work with you. LISA also offers short courses on various topics:
Feb 18: Introduction to R, Part I;
Feb 19: Introduction to R, Part I;
Feb 25: Introduction to R, Part II;
Feb 26: Introduction to R, Part III;
Mar 5: How to make plots to tell the story of your data;
Mar 18: Data Mining Basics;
Mar 19: Data Mining Basics;
Mar 26: Classification and Regression Trees (CART);
26. GLC FELLOWS APPLICATION PROCESS OPEN FOR 2013-14 – 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 2013-14 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. Information about the cover letter requirements can be found on the survey link and the job description can be found here. Apply by Mar 20, 2013. Contact Lauren Surface at lkeister@vt.edu or Mark Smiley at esmark86@vt.edu if you have questions, and/or attend the GLC Fellows Information Session on Feb 21 in GLC Room B from 12-1pm.
27. GRADUATE RESIDENTIAL FELLOW SOUGHT FOR RESIDENTIAL COLLEGE – 2nd posting
The Graduate Residential Fellow is a live-in position with primary responsibility for offering mentorship to students and facilitating the creation of a strong sense of community. The four live-in Graduate Residential Fellows will make an important contribution to the leadership of The Residential College at West Ambler Johnson (RC@WAJ). Read more about the position and the application process>>. Apply by Mar 1.
28. SELECTION COMMITTEE MEMBERS NEEDED FOR 2013-14 BOV GRAD REP
Apply by Friday, Feb 22
Help serve the graduate student community by participating as a member of the BOV Graduate Student Representative Selection Committee. Committee members will need to be available between March 4-6, 2013. One representative per college needed. If you are interested in serving, please apply here. Email Robyn Jones, current Graduate Representative to the BOV at bovgradrep@vt.edu with any questions.
29. SEEKING REVIEWERS FOR GSA RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM – 1st posting
The GSA needs your assistance with reviewing abstracts for the GSA Research Symposium, to be held on Mar 27, 2013. Graduate students who will not be submitting entries to the symposium can be reviewers in this online, blind peer-review process, critiquing abstracts of 3000 characters or less with no figures or tables. Each reviewer will receive an email of abstracts to review and return, before Mar 21, by 5:00pm. Please fill out this registration form to serve as a reviewer. After signing up you will receive an automated confirmation email that your registration went through. Reviewers will receive a formal signed certificate (electronic copy) for their participation in this process that they can add to their resume. If you have questions, contact George Batten at gsaRSchair@gmail.com, GSA RS 2013 Chair.
30. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR UPCOMING GSA HAPPY HOUR
The GSA is looking for volunteers to help with its upcoming Happy Hour on Thursday, Mar 7, 6-8pm in the GLC Multipurpose Room. Tasks will include setting-up, serving beer and food, and cleaning up. Volunteers must be 21 years of age or older. Please contact Elaine Mathis, VP of Programs (efm28@vt.edu) if you are interested.
31. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR VIRTUAL REALITY STUDY – 1st posting
Researchers are seeking volunteers for gathering quantitative and qualitative insights into the effects of different properties of virtual reality (VR) display systems on the analysis of complex scientific datasets, like tracheal systems of beetles from biomechanics domain. The study consists of carrying out few tasks (answering few questions), by analyzing the tracheal systems of a beetle, scanned, segmented in isosurface format, and visualized on a state-of-the-art spatially immersive display system – the four-sided CAVE – in the Visionarium at 3050 Torgersen. More details will be provided on site. The experiment will last about 75 mins. Must be more than 18 years old with no or minimal background in biomechanics to participate. Find available time slots for participation>>. Please email to blaha@vt.edu, with your preferred time slot from the above page to sign up for your participation.
32. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR RESEARCH PROJECT – 1st posting
Amie Schry, MS, and Susan White, PhD, of the Department of Psychology are recruiting participants for the “Campus Reporting Survey,” an IRB-approved study. All VT faculty and staff members, including graduate teaching assistants (GTAs), are invited to complete an on-line survey about thoughts on reporting of campus incidents. Graduate students who are not currently teaching classes are not eligible for participation in the study. The survey will take 10-15 minutes to complete, and will be open until May 8, the last day of classes. All data will be kept anonymous. Complete the survey>>. If you have any questions, contact Amie Schry at aschry@vt.edu.
33. PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE JOURNAL SEEKING REVIEWERS – 1st posting
The Public Knowledge Journal is seeking reviewers for the Spring 2013 semester. Being a peer reviewer is a great way to learn about the ins and outs of the academic publication world. The Public Knowledge Journal is an interdisciplinary graduate student journal committed to the exchange of ideas and information about issues and research relevant to the public sphere. More information about the journal can be found at http://pkjournal.org/. Please contact Stefanie Georgakis at sgeorgakis@vt.edu if interested in being a peer reviewer for this semester.
34. GTA PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR RESEARCH PROJECT – 2nd posting
Are you currently a graduate teaching assistant? If so, researchers want to hear from you through a survey they developed to better understand the experiences of Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs) with regard to motivation and identity. The survey should not take more than 20 minutes to complete, and participants will have the opportunity to be entered into a drawing for a $25 Amazon gift card. Participate here>>. Questions about this work should be directed to Rachel Louis Kajfez at rlouis@vt.edu.
35. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR METABOLISM STUDY -3rd posting
Volunteers are needed for a study examining how diet influences muscle metabolism. Participants must be: Between the ages of 18-40; not currently taking any medications; non-smokers; without any major medical problems; willing to eat a high fat diet for 4 weeks. You will receive extensive health information. You may receive up to $500 to compensate you for your time. If you meet the above requirements and are interested in participating in this research study, please contact John Pownall at the Human Integrative Physiology Laboratory at Virginia Tech at (540) 231-8299, heartlab@vt.edu.
36. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY QUESTIONNAIRE— 3rd posting
Subjects aged 18-25 are needed for a study investigating the quality of physical activity questionnaires. The study will take place in either the GLC or in the Integrated Life Science Building located at 1981 Kraft Drive and will take about 1-1.5 hours to complete across a span of two weeks; subjects will be paid $20 for their participation. In 3 separate meetings participants will be given short surveys to complete, and then wear an accelerometer for two weeks. People not meeting the recommended 150 minutes of physical activity are especially needed. If you are interested, please email your name and contact information to Edith Nault.
37. UPCOMING EVENTS:
ORIGAMI WORKSHOP FOR GRAD STUDENTS
Monday, Feb 25, 3:00pm, Room G
Learn some basics about the art of paper folding and walk away with a piece of art you craft yourself. Supplies are provided. Space is limited to the first 20 students who sign up. Please contact Marielly Ruiz at mzruiz@vt.edu to reserve a spot. Sponsored by the GLC Fellows.
GSA CUPCAKES WITH THE DEAN
Tuesday, Feb 26, 12:00-1:30pm, GLC Lounge
Join Dean DePauw, the GSA, and fellow graduate students for cupcakes and discussion. This is an exciting opportunity to meet grad dean DePauw and bring up any questions or concerns you might have. You will also have the opportunity to mingle with fellow graduate students while enjoying cupcakes from Our Daily Bread. Direct any questions to Elaine Mathis, GSA VP of Programs.
HOW DO YOU ASSESS ORAL PRESENTATIONS?
Tuesday, Feb 26, 12:00pm, GLC Room C
Evaluating communication skills is a concern of every degree program on campus. This discussion will focus on how to evaluate oral presentations using multiple criteria. Register online>>.
GLC BOOK CLUB: CANDIDE BY VOLTAIRE
Wednesday, Feb 27, 5:30pm, GLC Au Bon Pain
All graduate students are welcome to join this book club. Read the next selection, Candide by Voltaire, and discuss this book at the next meeting. Please contact Emily Eskew at eceskew@vt.edu with any questions. Sponsored by GLC Fellows.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY POLICY INITIATIVE’S FIRST MEETING
Thursday, Feb 28, 5:30pm, GLC Room C
Interested in learning more about how science and engineering can influence and be influenced by policy decisions? Want to get involved in more activities at the intersection of science/technology and policy? Come to the Science and Technology Policy Initiative’s (STPI) first meeting: pizza; guest speaker; discussion of upcoming events; appointment of new exec board members from various departments – come if you are interested in a leadership position!. Please fill out this survey if you will be able to attend. Email Amanda Shea (ashea04@vt.edu) with any questions.
BOV GRAD LUNCH WITH PRESIDENT STEGER, PROVOST MCNAMEE, GRADUATE DEAN DEPAUW, & STUDENT AFFAIRS VP PERILLO – sign up now!
Monday, Mar 4, 12:00-1:30pm, The Inn at Virginia Tech
Attend the first graduate student luncheon of the semester with President Steger, Provost McNamee, Vice President and Dean for Graduate Education Karen DePauw, and Vice President for Student Affairs Patricia Perillo at the Inn. Spaces are limited. If you are interested in attending, please register here. Graduate students selected to attend will be contacted by Feb 25. Contact Robyn Jones, Graduate Representative to the BOV with any questions.