1. WEEKLY SERVICES IN THE GLC
- Career Services walk-in advising: Wednesdays 2:00-5:00pm, GLC Lobby
- Cook Counseling walk-in services: Thursdays and Fridays 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. ATOMIC FORCE MICROSCOPY (AFM) WORKSHOPS
Mondays, Oct 21, 28 and November 4, 9:30am, Randolph Hall
These AFM session titles are: "Imaging with AFM", "High Resolution Force Measurements with AFM" and "How to Custom Design an AFM,” respectively. This workshop is organized by COLLOIDS AND SURFACES in association with the laboratories of Prof. William Ducker and Prof. John Walz. This four-series workshop is designed for faculty, post-doctoral associates, graduate students and undergraduate students who are planning on using atomic force microscopy for research or need some support with various applications. Participation in the workshop is free but limited to 20 persons. For more information on each session and registration, visit http://www.colloidsvt.org.vt.edu/events. For more information on events, workshops and annual symposia visit http://www.colloidsvt.org.vt.edu/index. To join the COLLOIDS AND SURFACES society and listserve, contact Milad Radiom at mradiom@vt.edu.
3. MIND AND MEDITATION CLASS
Tuesdays, Oct 22-Nov 5, 3:00-4:00pm, Cranwell International Center
If you would like to experience enhanced focus and concentration, greater peace of mind, reduced anxiety levels and better health, please join this class hosted at Cranwell International Center. The class will start with an introduction to meditation, then lead into stretching and guided meditation as a group. At the end, participants will share experiences and open the floor for questions and discussions. There are no prerequisites and all above 14 years of age are welcome to join.
4. BELMASRY – ARABIC CONVERSATION TABLE
Tuesday, Oct 22, 6:30-8:30pm, North Lounge (Room 300), Johnston Student Center
Come out and chat about Egypt and practice your Arabic at this Egyptian themed Arabic conversation table. Light Egyptian refreshments and tea will be served. Sponsored by Egypt Friends.
5. EARN YOUR AMATEUR/HAM RADIO LICENSE
Tuesday, Oct 22, 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 grad student Nathaniel Frissell at nafrissell@vt.edu. If you want to learn more about ham radio in general, visit http://www.arrl.org.
6. CUPCAKES WITH THE DEAN
Wednesday, Oct 23, 12:00-1:30pm, GLC Student Lounge
The GSA invites you to come and meet grad dean Karen DePuaw and fellow graduate students over some delicious treats from Our Daily Bread. Please contact Mordecai Harvey at mordie02@vt.edu with questions.
7. EFFECTIVE READING WORKSHOP
Wednesday, Oct 23, 5:00-8:00pm, GLC Room C
Educational researchers estimate that, at best, we retain only about 10 percent of the information that we read. The key to becoming a more effective reader is to learn how academic information in published papers is structured and then to discipline one’s self to hunt for information actively rather than passively wait for the information to appear on the page. This workshop will describe how you can read more actively and purposely in order to locate needed information, increase comprehension, and boast retention for later use. Please register at https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1379444665069 if you are planning to attend.
8. GLC CAFÉ
Thursday, Oct 24, 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. There will be a surprise raffle 3:50pm this Thursday in honor of GLC open house and grad alumni homecoming.
9. SHORT STAT COURSES BY LISA THIS FALL: DESIGN OF EXPERIMENTS
Thursday, Oct 24, 5:00-7:00pm, GLC Room G
The Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis (LISA) is providing a series of 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. See www.lisa.stat.vt.edu/?q=short_courses for instructions on how to register and learn more. Remaining Fall 2013 schedule:
- Thursday, October 31: T-tests and ANOVA;
- Monday & Tuesday, November 4 & 5: Introduction to JMP;*
- Tuesday, November 12: Nonparametric methods featuring the bootstrap;
- Thursday, November 21: Regression Methods;
*Two sessions of the same course to accommodate more attendees. Follow LISA on Facebook (www.facebook.com/Statistical.collaboration) or Twitter (www.twitter.com/LISA_VT) to be the first to know about LISA events! More information: www.lisa.stat.vt.edu.
10. COMMUNITY VOICES: THEATRE IN CONFLICT ZONES
Thursday, Oct 24, 7:00-8:00pm, The Lyric Theatre
Joanna Sherman, Artistic Director, and Michael McGuigan, Managing Director, from The Bond Street Theatre in New York, will present a video-lecture exploring the impact and value of the expressive arts in areas of conflict. The lecture will show how theatre-based practices are applied in different communities, with specific focus on their work in Afghanistan. Their presentation introduces the idea of theatre as a useful tool for social improvement and bringing peace, and emphasizing why cross-cultural artistic conversations are crucial for mutual understanding. Contact Andy Morikawa at andrjm7@vt.edu if you have questions.
11. GLC OPEN HOUSE
Friday, Oct 25, 10:00am-3:00pm, Graduate Life Center
Students, faculty, staff and members of the community are invited to the nationally recognized, award-winning Graduate Life Center and learn more about what it has to offer to graduate students and how it supports graduate education. View the newest entries in the graduate student art and photography contest, tour the GLC residential areas, learn about the GLC and its services through a fun Monopoly-themed scavenger hunt, play with dogs on the side patio, enjoy free coffee and more! Visit http://www.graduatelifecenter.vt.edu/openhouse2013.html for more details.
12. GLC OPEN HOUSE RESIDENTIAL TOURS
Friday, Oct 25, 11:00am and 1:00pm, Meet in GLC Lobby
Curious about what the upper floors look like in the GLC? Take a tour of the GLC, including the residential part of the building, and learn about life as a resident in the GLC. Tours will be led by a GLC Fellow and will start in the GLC Lobby by the Welcome Desk. You must pre-register for this tour here: https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1380912040628.
13. IDR SPEAKER SPOTLIGHT: DR. DEBORAH E. YOUNG-CORBETT
Friday, Oct 25, 12:00 -1:00pm, Room 341 Squires Student Center
Iota Delta Rho, the graduate interdisciplinary research honor society at VT presents Dr. Deborah E. Young-Corbett, who will discuss an interdisciplinary approach to control construction pollutants. Enjoy a lively talk along with a complimentary Friday lunch! If you have any questions, please contact Souvick Chatterjee, the Social Spotlight Series Chair at souvick8@vt.edu. Dr. Young-Corbett is an assistant professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and the Myers-Lawson School of Construction at Virginia Tech. With degrees in biological sciences, environmental science, and industrial engineering, she is no stranger to trans-disciplinary work. She has been engaged in interdisciplinary research activities since joining the faculty in 2007 and will discuss the challenges and rewards of inquiry that transcends traditional academic boundaries.
14. GSA FALL WINE AND BEER SOCIAL
Friday, Oct 25, 5:00-9:00pm, University Club
The GSA invites you to its fall wine and beer social: admission is $8 for general, $4 for GSA delegates, and $2 for non-drinking guest. You must be 21+ with valid state ID to drink! Hor d’oeuvres will be provided. Please contact Mordecai Harvey at mordie02@vt.edu if you have questions or wish to volunteer. Volunteers will have admission fees waived!
15. INTL FALL SOCIAL: AN EVENING OF CROSS-CULTURAL EXCHANGE
Friday, Oct 25, 6:00-8:00pm, Commonwealth Ballroom, Squires Student Center
This event provides cross-cultural interaction between the VT and local communities and all international visitors at Virginia Tech (students, researchers/scholars, and families). The event will include an ice breaker activity, a chili dinner, a fall-themed group activity and lots of opportunity for conversation. Sponsored by the Community Events Committee at the Cranwell International Center.
16. SUBMISSIONS DEADLINE FOR GLC ART AND PHOTO CONTEST – TODAY!
The Graduate School invites submissions of art work and photography by graduate students for display in the GLC during GLC Open House on Oct 25, 2013 through end of March 2014. Submissions are limited to three pieces (art and/or photography) per graduate student. Photos may be submitted online (https://graduateschool.vt.edu/imageupload/ ) to be printed by the Graduate School. Submission deadline: Monday, Oct 21, 5:00pm. Learn more at http://www.graduatelifecenter.vt.edu/contest.html.
17. GRADUATE AMBASSADORS NEEDED FOR GLC OPEN HOUSE ON 10/25
It’s that time of year again! The GLC’s Annual Open House is October 25, 2013 from 10am-3pm. Graduate Ambassadors are needed to assist with GLC Monopoly – an interactive Scavenger Hunt. Graduate Ambassador volunteers will answer (answers provided) trivia questions asked by Open House participants. If you would like to help make this event a success, please indicate your availability on this survey: https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1381267628306 .
18. REGISTER NOW FOR GRAD HOUSING TEAM DESIGN CONTEST ON 10/25
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 as part of the GLC Open House. Find more information and register at http://www.graduatelifecenter.vt.edu/openhouse2013-charrette.html . Contact Monika Gibson at gibsonm@vt.edu with questions.
19. CALL FOR POSTER CONTEST ENTRIES FOR INTL EDUCATION WEEK
In celebration of International Education Week (http://eca.state.gov/programs-initiatives/international-education-week), VT’s Gamma Omega chapter of the Phi Beta Delta international honor society is sponsoring a poster contest for all students, graduate and undergraduate, U.S. and international. The theme is ‘How has international education benefitted you?’ and students are encouraged to incorporate their experiences during study abroad, service learning, exchange programs, or international research into their posters. Cash prizes will be awarded. Submit a short (+/- 100 word) abstract describing your poster, along with the following information: Title of poster; Author’s name; Contact information (email and phone); Degree sought/Major and minor; to Betty Watts at bettyw@vt.edu by 5:00 pm Monday, Nov 4. All posters must fit a 3 x 3’ freestanding format. All posters must be brought to Squires Student Center between 8–10 on Friday, Nov 15. Posters will be displayed for public viewing in Squires Nov 18–21. Posters can be picked up from Squires 4–5pm on Thursday, Nov 21. Winners will be announced at Phi Beta Delta’s Fall induction ceremony on Nov 18. Please direct any questions to Betty Watts (bettyw@vt.edu; 231-6452).
20. AEL CALL FOR NOMINATIONS – 1st posting
Alpha Epsilon Lambda graduate leadership honor society at VT is calling for nominations of graduate students. Faculty, staff and colleagues are encouraged to nominate graduate students who have shown dedication to serving their graduate community. The requirements are: (1) Graduate student has completed 12 credits (2) has at least 3.80 GPA or be in top 35% of the department. AEL board members will request the designated personnel in the Graduate School to check the nominees’s GPA in order to extend an official invitation to the nominee. Nominators should provide the name of the nominee and a short paragraph describing the graduate student services at http://goo.gl/fWgfyO.
21. AEL LEADERSHIP SEMINAR – REQUEST FOR IDEAS – 1st posting
AEL board members are in the process of planning the AEL leadership seminars for the spring semester, and would like to shape the seminars to address the needs of the graduate students in their field. This short survey allows you to share your ideas, challenges and needs regarding your career and leadership skills: http://goo.gl/MVQLNI. Your input will guide AEL board members in their planning. If you have any questions, please contact Marwa Abdel Latif at marlatif04@gmail.com.
22. CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS FOR OPEN LAB AT VT CENTER FOR THE ARTS – 1st posting
The Center for the Arts at Virginia Tech invites professional artists or graduate art students living in Virginia to submit proposals for OpenLab, the first in a new series of exhibitions celebrating the innovative work of Virginia artists. The inaugural summer 2014 OpenLab sequence will include two solo exhibitions, each featuring an inventive, three-dimensional sculptural installation in one of the galleries. Room environments, sound, and multimedia installations will all be considered. Apply online at https://tickets.artscenter.vt.edu/Online/openlabsummer.
23. TANDEM LANGUAGE PROGRAM SEEKS PARTICIPANTS – 1st posting
Native speakers of German are particularly encouraged to sign up for the “Tandem Program” at Virginia Tech, which matches international students with American language students. There is currently a surplus of domestic learners of German looking for language partners; if your native language is German and you already speak perfect English, then please consider signing up to help an American learn your language! The Tandem Program, which strengthens participants’ language skills while promoting closer bonds between international and domestic students, offers opportunities in all foreign languages taught at Virginia Tech: Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Russian, and Spanish. There is no deadline to sign up, so feel free to fill out the form at any time: http://virginiatechtandem.blogspot.com/.
24. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR FALL RISK WITH LOW-BACK FATIGUE STUDY – 1st posting
Participants are needed for a study assessing the effect of localized muscle fatigue on slip and fall risks. The study consists of 2 experimental sessions (each lasting approximately 2-3 hours). Participants will be compensated $10/hour with a $20 bonus after completing all sessions. Requirements: male or female, age 35-64, no recent history of musculoskeletal disorders. If interested, please contact Rahul Soangra at locomotionVT@gmail.com for further details.
25. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR INFORMATION RE-FINDING STUDY-2nd posting
Do you have a ton of stuff on your computer? Is it spread out across your file system, web browser and mail app? Researchers are interested in how you manage all this information and what you do when you need to find it again later. They are also interested in how your different strategies might align with some of your meetings and events. This might mean you send emails and utilize file-sharing apps or it might mean you use and share information during meetings, classes, etc. There is a 15-minute survey where two (2) participants will be randomly selected to receive a $25 cash prize. Using your survey response, you may qualify to participate in a 2-week diary study. For those who participate in the diary study, two (2) will be randomly selected to receive a $50 cash prize. Please sign up by contacting Blake Sawyer (basawyer@vt.edu). Participants must be 18+ years old.
26. INTERNATIONAL STUDENT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED-2nd posting
What would YOU like to see in the arts at Virginia Tech? The newly opening Center for the Arts at VT is seeking input from international students and scholars in the Virginia Tech and surrounding communities on potential visiting artists, new arts programs, and so on. Your ideas could have a significant impact on the Center’s future arts activities as the Center seeks to create arts programs that meet the needs and interests of our community. If the opportunity to discuss this topic in an informal 2-hour session with staff from the Center for the Arts interests you, please contact Jon at rjginn@vt.edu.
27. CALLING SOCIAL SCIENCE AND HUMANITIES GRAD STUDENTS – 3rd posting
The Kevin P. Granata Biomechanics Lab is performing a study on walking, slipping and tripping. The study involves one lab session, during which the subject will perform a series of walking trials while gait measurements are collected. The participant may be slipped or tripped during the session, but all participants wear a harness to ensure safety. The session takes approximately 1.5 hours, and each participant will receive $20 compensation. Participants must be 18-30 or 60-80 years old. Both healthy-weight and overweight subjects are needed. If interested, please contact biomechanics.esm@gmail.com.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
SHORT STAT COURSES BY LISA THIS FALL
The Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis (LISA) is providing a series of 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. See www.lisa.stat.vt.edu/?q=short_courses for instructions on how to register and learn more. Remaining Fall 2013 schedule:
- Thursday, October 31: T-tests and ANOVA;
- Monday & Tuesday, November 4 & 5: Introduction to JMP;*
- Tuesday, November 12: Nonparametric methods featuring the bootstrap;
- Thursday, November 21: Regression Methods;
*Two sessions of the same course to accommodate more attendees. Follow LISA on Facebook (www.facebook.com/Statistical.collaboration) or Twitter (www.twitter.com/LISA_VT) to be the first to know about LISA events! More information: www.lisa.stat.vt.edu.
HALLOWEEN POTLUCK
Wednesday, Oct 30, 5:00pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
The GLC Fellows are sponsoring this Halloween themed potluck. Bring a dish to share with your fellow graduate students and gear up for the spooky holiday! There may also be a demonstration by the Virginia Tech Police Department canine unit outside of the GLC. Fill out the following survey to register for this family-friendly event: https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1379476191090
BGSO EBONY AFFAIR 2013
Friday, Nov 1, 7:00-9:00pm, Custom Catering
The Ebony Affair is a formal/semi-formal dinner banquet in which those who actively engaged in BGSO’s motto: "Lifting as we climb" are recognized. It’s a great excuse to get dressed up for an evening of dinner and entertainment. Tickets can be purchased at http://www.bgso.org.vt.edu/sponsors.html for $12.
STOP HUNGER NOW
Saturday, Nov 2
The Blacksburg Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. will volunteer at the New Life Christian Fellowship Church at 130 Jackson St. Blacksburg VA. Volunteers will help the church package food that will be shipped to countries in need. The times to volunteer are: 10:00am-12:00pm and 12:30-2:00pm. If you are interested in helping, please email ppd@bacdst.org with the time you can attend. This event is posted on behalf of grad student Brielle Wright, bswright@vt.edu.
BUFFALO WILD WINGS FUNDRAISER
Sunday, Nov 3, 4:00pm
Join the BeAutiful Ladies of Blacksburg Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. for their Buffalo Wild Wings fundraiser. Watch the Ravens take on the Browns and enjoy food and fellowship with BAC. This event is posted on behalf of grad student Brielle Wright, bswright@vt.edu.
PHI BETA KAPPA VISITING SCHOLAR: INTERSECTIONS OF SCIENCE, PUBLIC HEALTH AND ART
Wednesday, Nov 6 and Thursday, Nov7, Various times and locations
Timothy Bromage, professor of biomaterials and biomimetics at NYU College of Dentistry, will present three sessions open to the public. Professor Bromage’s research focuses on bone and tooth biology, with an emphasis on its translation to environmental and evolutionary studies. The session details are as follows: “What Cells will do for Global Climate Change” – Wednesday, Nov 6, 7pm, Virginia Bioinformatics Institute Auditorium; “Avoid Infection, and While You’re At It, Have a Demographic Transition” – Thursday Nov 7, 12-1pm, Shanks Hall Room 370-380; “What is Art?” – Thursday, Nov 7, 4:00-6:00pm, Squires Student Center Rooms 341/345. These sessions are co-sponsored by the VT Institute for Creativity, Arts, and Technology, the Everyday Imaging Series, and Departments of STS and Philosophy.