1. WEEKLY SERVICES IN THE GLC
- Career Services walk-in advising: Wednesdays 2:00-5:00pm, GLC Lobby
- Cook Counseling walk-in services: Thursdays 1:00-5:00pm, Green Room
- GLC Café: 3:30-5:00 every Thursdays, Reading Room – year round!
- Graduate School business hours: M,Tu,Th,F: 8:00am-5:00pm; W: 9:30am-5:00pm
- Writing Center walk-in assistance: Thursdays 2-5pm, GLC Room D (additional hours available in the library)
2. IP FIRM HOST INFO SESSION ON SCI/ENGR CAREERS AT LAW FIRM
Monday, Sep 16, 5:00-6:00pm, Squires 342
Master’s and doctoral students: did you know that law firms hire engineers and scientists? Consider a unique career in a law firm as a technical specialist or patent agent. Work side by side with lawyers to prepare and defend patent applications at the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Counsel clients on how to best promote and protect their inventions and technological advancements. Sterne Kessler, a Washington, D.C. intellectual property firm will host this info session to help you learn about positions, career trajectory, and the benefits of working with them. Food will be provided.
3. EARN YOUR AMATEUR/HAM RADIO LICENSE
Tuesday, Sep 17, 7:00pm, Dogwood Room of Squires Student Center
The VT Amateur Radio Association (VTARA) will be giving amateur radio license exams for a fee of $15. For more information, visit http://www.vtara.org.vt.edu/?q=node/5 or contact Nathaniel Frissell at nafrissell@vt.edu. If you want to learn more about ham radio in general, visit http://www.arrl.org.
4. BLACK MASTER’S/PHD 101: HOW TO BE STRATEGIC AND SURVIVE
Wednesday, Sep 18, 11:30am–1:00pm, GLC Room C
For many graduate students, working towards the PhD can be a rewarding, yet daunting experience. It can be especially tough when there are very few persons of color within your academic department. Questioning of students’ ability and experiences in chilly climates can have a negative effect on students. Graduate students are invited to meet Black faculty members to get advice on strategies that will assist them in successfully matriculating from VT. Sponsored by Office of Multicultural Academic Opportunities Program (MAOP). Refreshments will be served; register at https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1377269679880. For more information contact: Dr. Jody Thompson, jodyt@vt.edu.
5. NETWORKING PRESENTATION FOR GRAD STUDENTS
Thursday, Sep 19, 2:00-3:00pm, GLC Room C
Learn how to leverage intentional networking to thrive and grow in higher education. Research findings and anecdotal evidence in the area of using networks to advance your career, expand your academic network, creating a professional network, and tips to avoid common pitfalls of networking ruts will be discussed, as well as ideas for how faculty and mentors to graduate students can support networking practices. Brought to you by Lia Kelinsky, project manager at VT Continuing and Professional Education. Registration is requested but not required: https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1379350585535.
6. GLC CAFÉ
Thursday, Sep 19, 3:30-5:00pm GLC Reading Room or side patio
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.
7. KIDS’ NIGHT OUT – FREE WEEKLY DROP IN CHILD CARE
Thursdays, starting Sep 19, 6:00pm, Women’s Center
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 with the exception of home football games and when classes are not in session. For more information, contact Jessie Meltsner at jmelts@vt.edu.
8. FALL MTG FOR FULBRIGHT STUDENTS, ALUMNI AND FRIENDS
Thursday, Sep 19, 6:00pm, The Cellar
Get to know fellow Fulbright Scholars (current, alumni & friends) at Virginia Tech and enjoy a couple of hours of conversation in a multicultural and diverse group. Please register at https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1378485143938 if you plan to attend. Contact Tobias (ecker@vt.edu, (202)870-9722) for questions and comments.
9. WHERE IS GOD? A DISCUSSION ON SUFFERING AND FAITH
Friday, Sep 20, 7:00pm, 2150 Torgerson Hall
If God is all powerful, omnipotent, and loving, why does suffering exist in the world? How do we reconcile suffering with faith? Does our culture deny the value of suffering? Should we wish for a life free from pain? Why does some suffering enrich our lives, while other suffering leaves us numb, deaf and blind to others? Dr. Gabe Santos, Associate Professor of Sociology at Lynchburg College will explore all these questions and more on. Hosted by Disciples on Campus, posted on behalf of master’s student Armond Bryant.
10. PATHFINDERS – CHRISTIAN STUDY GROUP FOR GRAD STUDENTS
Sundays, 11:00am-12:15pm, Bburg Baptist Church Room 216
Join fellow graduate students for bible study and fellowship. There are other fellowship activities as well, such as hiking, cookouts, and game night throughout the semester. For more information contact graduate student Jeanette Walters at marie071@vt.edu.
11. FREE 2013-14 GRAD SCHOOL HANDBOOK-PLANNERS IN GLC READING ROOM Graduate students may pick up their free copy of the 2013-14 Graduate Student Handbook and Planner in the GLC Reading Room while supplies last. The planner includes 30 pages of customized information about graduate student life and resources, as well as monthly and weekly calendars for the year.
12. ISRAELI DANCING INTEREST GROUP FORMING – FILL OUT SURVEY TO LEARN MORE Are you interested in Israeli dancing? VA Tech’s Israeli dance group is just forming, so fill out a short survey at https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1378094084287 to find out more. Whether you are super excited or simply curious, no experience is necessary and it’s great for all ages and genders. This message is posted on behalf of grad student Sarah Krones.
13. ENGLISH CONVERSATIONS GROUPS – 2nd posting
The Cranwell International Center offers multiple classes per week for anyone who wishes to improve their English and learn more about the local culture. Individuals can attend any number of classes per week between Sep 2 and Dec 13. All classes are held at Cranwell International Center. If you have any questions, email international@vt.edu.
14. APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED TO INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH HONOR SOCIETY -3rd posting
Iota Delta Rho, the Interdisciplinary Research Honor Society at VT is accepting applications for membership through midnight on Sunday, Sep 22. IDR was founded at Virginia Tech in 2011 by graduate students promoting interdisciplinary cooperation and research at VT and all other colleges and universities. There are two levels of membership: full and associate. Membership application and information about the society can be found at http://www.idrsociety.org/membership/application/. Any questions about our memberships, the application package, or assistance with your application can be directed to Tammy Parece at tammyep@vt.edu.
15. GRAD CERTIFICATION IN INTL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
The Office of International Research, Education, and Development (OIRED) offers a Graduate Certificate in International Research and Development. The program encourages a multidisciplinary approach for students already working towards a graduate degree to attain special recognition for their work on international issues. Participants must take three 5000-level (or above) courses from an approved list, with one course being outside the applicant’s department and one outside the college. The deadline to apply for students graduating in December 2013 will be October 15; other applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. For more information, contact Betty Watts at bettyw@vt.edu or 231-6452, or visit http://www.oired.vt.edu/graduatecertificate.html.
16. REGISTER BY OCT 18 FOR TEAM DESIGN CONTEST FOR GRAD HOUSING COMPLEX – NOTE NEW DATE!
Exercise your imagination and creativity in a short design contest (charrette) based on a real-world project that’s coming to Blacksburg. The challenge includes generating conceptual design and naming ideas for a new grad housing complex. Teams of up to three may compete for $100 gift certificates to local restaurants. Background in architecture, landscape architecture or construction is helpful but not required; interdisciplinary teams are encouraged. Paper and sketching tools will be provided; teams may also use any tools and supplies they bring. The contest will take place on Friday, Oct 25, 1-5pm. Register at https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1379345907052. Contact Monika Gibson at gibsonm@vt.edu with questions.
17. OPEN ENROLLMENT FOR STUDENT MEDICAL INSURANCE FOR 2013-14 (NO DENTAL PLAN)
Enroll now in the VT-sponsored student medical insurance plan through Aetna: the open enrollment period is from Jul 26-Sep 30. Read more at http://www.co.vt.edu/Risk/studenthealthinsr/. Please note that due to low enrollment levels in the voluntary dental plan option, Aetna does not offer this program for the 2013-2014 academic year. Because VT is a state agency, it cannot direct students to specific carriers with whom it has no formal relationship. The Student Medical Insurance Office recommends that students use the internet to identify dental insurance options in Virginia. In general, plans priced in the $460 – $500 range could provide comparable coverage to the previously offered plan. SMI recommend that students carefully read and understand policy waiting periods, covered services, co-payments, deductibles, etc. before committing to a plan. Contact SMI at 231-6226, smi@vt.edu with questions and concerns about insurance.
18. REGISTER NOW FOR "COMMUNICATING SCIENCE" WORKSHOP
Learn more about effectively communicating your work to propel your research and career forward at this free event led by experts in scientific communication. This workshop will be on Oct. 18 (fall break), from 9:00am-2:00pm in the GLC Multipurpose Room. It is sponsored by the Science and Technology Policy Initiative and the Graduate Student Assembly and is open to all graduate students. Sessions will examine the topics of science communication techniques, science writing, science and the media, and communicating with policymakers. Lunch will be provided. Reserve your space by completing this short survey: https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1375887458915. Contact Anne Hyman at vtmaroon@vt.edu with any questions.
19. GRAD STUDENTS SOUGHT FOR MENTOR PROGRAM – 1st posting
Grad students are sought for a mentor program geared towards underrepresented students who are in their first and second year at VT. Mentors are expected to share their wisdom and experience in support of the success of incoming freshman and sophomore African American students. This program is not only a benefit to the undergraduates but also to those providing mentoring. The program will also have implications for your success as you engage in dialogues, trainings and activities that support student success regardless of academic level. If you would like to learn more about this program, please fill out the survey at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_86sUTEH5xv0qK1f. Those completing the survey will be contacted by Brielle Wright or Tere Williams about an upcoming interest meeting.
20. GOBBLERFEST EVALUATION SURVEY – 1st posting
Student opinion is very important to the success of Gobblerfest, which was held on Friday, Sep 6, 2013 on the Drillfield. Organizers in Student Centers and Activities hope that you have enjoyed it, but they want to hear any and all feedback you may have about the event. Please complete a brief survey about Gobblerfest at: http://studentvoice.com/vtech/gobblerfest13. The survey will remain open until Sep 27.
21. PARTICIPANTS WITH SOCIAL ANXIETY OR AUSTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER SOUGHT FOR EYE GAZE STUDY – 1st posting
VT researchers are seeking teenagers and adults ages 16-45 with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (such as Asperger’s) or Social Anxiety Disorder to participate in a study on the influence of social anxiety on gaze patterns. Involvement in the study will require one visit to the VT campus, after completing a brief telephone screen to determine eligibility. Total time commitment is 1.5-2.5 hours. If you are not a VT student who can receive Sona extra credit, you will be paid $20.00 for participating. Participants driving more than 30 miles to and from the study appointment will also receive mileage reimbursement ($0.50 per mile traveled, with a maximum mileage reimbursement of $50.00). Participants requesting mileage reimbursement will need to provide their home zip code in order to calculate the distance traveled. Please visit https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1364152698284, call 540-231-6744, or email Brenna Maddox at bmaddox7@vt.edu if you would like more information about the study.
22. PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE JOURNAL SEEKS PEER REVIEWERS – 1st posting
Public Knowledge Journal is a multidisciplinary, graduate student-run electronic journal at Virginia Tech. The journal provides a forum for the exchange of ideas about critical issues confronting our world today and provides early-career scholars with an introduction to the academic publication process. Reviewers are needed from all disciplines. Anyone interested should contact the Associate Articles Editor, Elsa Camargo at ecamargo@vt.edu. More information can be found at pkjournal.org.
23. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR STUDY ON MOTHERS AND CHILDREN – 2nd posting
Are you a mother who sometimes worries or has fears? Do you have a child between 7-12? An ongoing study is investigating how mothers and children interpret situations in their day-to-day lives. The study is being conducted at the Child Study Center at 460 Turner Street, Suite 207, Blacksburg. For more information please contact Kristin Austin at momanxiety@vt.edu or call 540-231-8276. Compensation: $50.
24. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR DRIVING SIMULATOR STUDY – 3rd posting
VT-SCORE (VT Signal Control & Operation Research and Education Systems lab) is conducting a driving simulator study to investigate driver behavior, performance, and attention when encountering the yellow light at signalized intersections. This is a multi-state study that looks at the effect of driver experience on driver behavior near traffic signals. The study will take no more than an hour, and your participation can contribute to the development of more intelligent control systems that could reduce crashes at signalized intersections and ultimately save lives. Participation is completely voluntary, and you will get a first-hand experience dealing with interesting driving simulation equipment. You can opt out of the experiment at any time. Must be licensed drivers and at least 18. Researchers are particularly interested in recruiting participants who are originally from VA, MD, and PA. Data obtained from the simulator will be confidential. If interested or have questions, contact grad student Sahar at 540-200-7560 or via email at sahargh@vt.edu.
25. FOUR- TO FOUR-AND-A-HALF-YEAR-OLD CHILDREN SOUGHT FOR STUDY – 3rd posting
The VT C.A.P. Lab in the Psychology Department is conducting a new study focusing on children’s developing ability to control their actions during games like Simon Says. Researchers are looking for 4- to 4.5-year-old children to visit the lab for one to two hours. During this visit, researchers will play some fun word and movement games with participants. In addition to the games, they are interested in collecting information about the physiological components of the children’s abilities to control their actions. If you are interested in this study, please contact Amanda Watson by phone (research lab-231-2320) or by e-mail (watsonaj@vt.edu). This study was approved by VT IRB, #13-440.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
LEARN TURKISH AT VT FREE
Wednesdays, starting Sep 25, 6:00-7:00pm, Whittemore Hall 257
Experienced teachers are offering Turkish language classes through the Intercultural Understanding Club of VT. You don’t need to know Turkish to start Turkish classes; the club offers Turkish courses from elementary to advanced levels. One hour class per week, four classes in a month. Register at http://www.icuc.org.vt.edu/turkish/. Direct questions to icuc.vt@gmail.com.
FUNDAMENTALS OF IMMIGRATION REFORM FOR VA AND THE NATION WITH DR. WALTER EWING
Thursday, Sep 26, 12:00pm, Room 341/345, Squires Student Center
This is the first of a two-session forum for the VT community to get informed about the contemporary immigration policy reform debate in Washington, DC and in Virginia. Sponsored by: CLAHS Departmental Diversity Program, the Department of Political Science and Multicultural Programs & Services (MPS). For more information contact Dr. D. Xavier Medina Vidal at dxmedina@vt.edu or grad student Elsa Camargo at ecamargo@vt.edu.
FUNDAMENTALS OF IMMIGRATION REFORM FOR VA AND THE NATION WITH EDGAR ARANDA-YANOC
Thursday, Sep 26, 12:00pm, Room 341/345, Squires Student Center
This is the second of a two-session forum for the VT community to get informed about the contemporary immigration policy reform debate in Washington, DC and in Virginia. Sponsored by: CLAHS Departmental Diversity Program, the Department of Political Science and Multicultural Programs & Services (MPS). For more information contact Dr. D. Xavier Medina Vidal at dxmedina@vt.edu or grad student Elsa Camargo at ecamargo@vt.edu.
BGSO & LAIGSA POTLUCK
Saturday, Sep 28, 2:00pm, Cranwell International Center
The Black Graduate Student Organization and the Latin American and Iberian Graduate Student Association present an afternoon of fun and food. Join your graduate fellow students in the Cranwell International Center. Bring a dish (or a non alcoholic drink) of your own choice to make this event special! Follow BGSO on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Black-Graduate-Student-Organization-of-Virginia-Tech/517499451609151.