1. WEEKLY SERVICES IN THE GLC – updated 3/10
Weekly services are on hiatus this week, except for the GLC Café, which is on, rain or shine, all year.
- GLC Café: 3:30-5:00 every Thursday, Reading Room – year round!
- Graduate School business hours: M,Tu,Th,F: 8:00am-5:00pm; W: 9:30am-5:00pm
2. CRITICAL CONVERSATIONS ON DIVERSITY: TEACHING WHILE BLACK AT AN HWCU
Thursday, Mar 13, 3:00-4:30pm, Peace Center, Norris Hall
This conversation will be led by Ellington Graves, Africana Studies. Participants are encouraged to register at: http://www.cider.vt.edu.
3. GLC CAFÉ
Thursday, Mar 13, 3:30-5:00pm, GLC Reading Room
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. Bring your own mug if you can.
4. SPRING BREAK SWEET TREATS AND GAMES
Friday, Mar 14, 2:00-4:00pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
You are not alone! Join others who are working through spring break and enjoy some home-baked sweets, coffee and tea, brought to you by your friendly volunteer bakers who work in the Graduate School and the GLC. It is also pie day, so there might be some sweet and savory pies as well. Bring your favorite board game or cards and stick around to play! Please register at https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1393863784460 to help organizers plan for the food.
5. REGISTER NOW TO PARTICIPATE IN GRAD OLYMPICS 2014 DURING GRAD ED WEEK
Grad student teams of 3-4 are invited to register for this light-hearted competition to put their wit, physical skills and team spirit to the test. Up to ten teams of 3-4 members may compete for great prizes, including $50 gift certificates to local restaurants. No prior experience necessary, but resourcefulness and knowledge of the GLC are a plus. All materials are provided. Teams must pre-register and wait for confirmation that their registration was accepted: https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1394042941741.
6. GRADUATE EDUCATION WEEK
The 14th annual Graduate Education Week (GEW) will be held March 24-28. GEW highlights the importance of graduate education, increases the university community’s awareness of the contributions of graduate students to teaching, research and service, and enhances the graduate student experience through professional development programs and celebratory events. Check out the GEW website at graduateschool.vt.edu/GEW for more information and to register for events.
7. FEEDBACK SOUGHT ABOUT STUDENT HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN – 1st posting
The student health insurance plan provided by Aetna must make some changes for the 2014-2015 academic year in order to meet minimum requirements for health plans under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The Graduate Student Assembly and the Graduate School request student feedback about potential plan changes that will minimize cost increases, and gauge interest in student dental insurance. Please share your feedback at https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1393610658427. There will be a student health-care forum on Monday, Mar 24 in the Graduate Life Center Multipurpose Room from 4-6 PM. Representatives from student health insurance services as well as the Graduate School will be on hand to answer questions and listen to student feedback. E-mail gsa@vt.edu with any questions.
8. GRAD STUDENTS INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE BIG EVENT-1st posting
The Big Event at Virginia Tech is a student-run community service effort that has grown into the 2nd largest event of its kind over the past 13 years. On Saturday, Apr 5, over 7,000 undergraduate and graduate students will come together to complete more than 1,000 community service projects throughout Blacksburg, Christiansburg and the New River Valley. Sign up to participate at http://www.registration.vtbigevent.org/signup?utm_campaign=gradschool&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=email, or email bigevent@vt.edu for more information. Follow The Big Event on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/VTBigEvent.
9. GIVE YOUR "TAKE" IN THE CENTER FOR THE ARTS’ GALLERIES – 1st posting
The Center for the Arts’ “My Take” series invites people from all walks of life to share their “take” on the visual art in the center’s galleries. These short talks (15 minutes) provide an inviting space for university faculty, students, and community members to experience exemplary works of art through the lenses of diverse disciplines. Previous speakers include computer scientists, biologists, geographers, designers, community leaders, and more. We invite graduate students to contact us if you are interested in giving a talk on your take for the next series, “Aspect of the Self: Portraits of Our Times,” an exhibition that traces the evolution of how many of the most prominent artists of our times have presented the self: exploring issues of race, class and gender, and merging diverse media such as painting, photography, 3-D, virtual and internet-based art. If interested, contact Sarah at sarahhf@vt.edu with why this series and exhibition appeal to you.
10. GSA TRAVEL FUND PROGRAM ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS MARCH 10 – 28
From March 10 at 8am until March 28 at 5pm, the Graduate Student Assembly’s Travel Fund Program (TFP), a small grants program that supports student travel for conference presentations, will accept online applications for reimbursement of travel-related expenses for eligible graduate students who have presented or will present at professional conferences with rigorous peer-review standards during the 2013 – 2014 academic year (July 1, 2013 – June 30, 2014). We invite you to visit http://blogs.lt.vt.edu/graduatestudentassembly/travel-fund-program/travel-fund-application-form/ to view frequently asked questions and submit your application. Since we have moved the procedure to a new system, please disregard all information on the GSA TFP website and refer only to the above link. Please email any questions to the TFP Chair at tfp2014@vt.edu; note that if you have emailed gsatfpchair@gmail.com with questions before now, this email address is now defunct, so please resubmit them at tfp2014@vt.edu. We look forward to receiving your application!
11. CALL FOR POSTER ABSTRACTS – THE FIRST ANNUAL COLLOIDS AND SURFACES SYMPOSIUM-1st posting
Submit your abstract for an interdisciplinary symposium sponsored by COLLOIDS and SURFACES at VIRGINIA TECH. If you would like to win scholarships based on your research, obtain experience presenting your research to a large audience and wish to talk about your research to fellow scientists then submit an abstract for this symposium’s poster session. All graduate and undergraduate students are encouraged to submit an abstract. World renowned scientist, Jacob Israelachvili will deliver the keynote speech preceded by student posters sessions and faculty oral presentations. Submission deadline is Mar. 20st, and registration is required for attendance at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/16LbvBEcxP7KMhc7anUyfYerUSV-WXtlUY8an3BjUJzk/viewform or go to www.colloidsvt.org.vt.edu/events<http://www.colloidsvt.org.vt.edu/events Once registered, students will be notified of approval of participation and/or attendance. For more information please contact Akhil Jindal at akhil108@vt.edu or Milad Radiom at mradiom@vt.edu.
12. GRADUATE RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS – 2nd posting
The Graduate Student Assembly’s Graduate Research Development Program (GRDP) will be accepting applications Mar 24-31 for the 2014 spring cycle. 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, search scholar for “GSA GRDP Spring 2014” to access the site. Note that the current GSA website does not have the most up to date forms and information. Please disregard all information found on the GSA website. Applications are due by Apr 1, 2014. Email Amanda Nelson (GSAGRDPChair@gmail.com) with any questions.
13. STREET FAIR REGISTRATION NOW OPEN – 2nd posting
The Council of International Student Organization (CISO) invites student organizations to participate in the 55th annual International Street Fair on Sunday, Apr 27 from 12:00-5:00pm on College Avenue near Squires Student Center. You can participate by applying for a booth at https://docs.google.com/a/vt.edu/spreadsheet/viewform?usp=drive_web&formkey=dGw3UjJIdXpOVU1QWmdERDJGV3hFMmc6MA#gid=0 and/or applying for a performance slot here https://docs.google.com/a/vt.edu/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Ah5WfC33KALWdDFPU0JBdUdId1o2WVJ4QURHZzFOSGc&usp=drive_web#gid=0. Contact Noha at noha@vt.edu with any questions.
14. CALL FOR ABSTRACTS FOR GSA ANNUAL RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM – 3rd posting
The Graduate Student Assembly (GSA) will hold its 30th annual Graduate Research Symposium on Wednesday, Mar 26 in the Graduate Life Center as part of Graduate Education Week. This event showcases the best of graduate research and offers a unique opportunity for graduate students to present their research in a collegial, on-campus conference. This is a competitive conference, and top presenters receive monetary awards. Submission deadline: Monday, Mar 10. Submit your research abstract at: http://blogs.lt.vt.edu/graduatestudentassembly/graduate-research-symposium/graduate-research-symposium-abstract-submission/. Please note that abstracts should be written in a widely accessible style. If you have any questions, contact Joyce Zhu, Research Symposium Chair: niz@vt.edu, or Jenn Gooding, GSA Executive Assistant: jgooding@vt.edu.
15. SUBMISSIONS ARE INVITED FOR GLC ART AND PHOTO CONTEST – 3rd posting
The Graduate School invites submissions of art work and photography by graduate students for display in the GLC during Graduate Education Week (Mar 24-28) and beyond. Submissions are limited to three pieces (art and/or photography) per graduate student. Photos may be submitted online at https://secure.graduateschool.vt.edu/imageupload/ to be printed by the Graduate School. Submission deadline: Monday, Mar 17, 2014. Learn more at http://www.graduatelifecenter.vt.edu/contest.html.
16. VT ENGAGE CALL FOR PROPOSALS – 3rd posting
VT Engage requests proposals for the ’14-’15 John E. Dooley Student Engagement Grant (JEDSEG). This grant funds highly motivated students or student teams who plan to invest in their community by creating an opportunity for active civic engagement. Two awards of $750 each are available. For more information and to access the application materials, please visit www.engage.vt.edu or email Lauren Kennedy at kennedy0@vt.edu. Application deadline: Mar 28, 5pm.
17. GLC FELLOWS APPLICATION PROCESS OPEN FOR 2014-15 – 3rd posting
Residence Life and the Graduate School are seeking motivated graduate students who are committed to building graduate community, for two GLC Fellow positions for the 2014-15 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 the following survey: https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1392921221707. Information about cover letter requirements is at the survey link; full job description is at www.graduatelifecenter.vt.edu. Apply by Mar 19, 2014. Contact Lauren Surface at lkeister@vt.edu or Sarah Loth at sloth85@vt.edu if you have questions.
18. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR STUDY ON INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS- 2nd posting
International students 18 or older who have left their country to study in the United States are sought for this study. Must not have grown up in the US and have English as a second language to participate in an online survey on “International Students’ Barriers While Pursuing Higher Education in the US.” As an international student, your thoughts and experiences are valuable in helping researchers raise awareness about foreign students` difficulties, facilitate international students` adjustment process, and improve international college students’ well-being and health in the U.S. Access the survey at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_bHMGR1zzZP7ue4l; takes 30-40 minutes to complete. If you have any questions, please contact Elmira Hamidi at elmirah@vt.edu.
19. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR FOCUS GROUPS ON GRAD STUDENT NEEDS – 2nd posting
Graduate students are conducting focus groups in order to better understand and serve the needs of VT graduate students. Following a Graduate School Climate Survey completed last April, three themes were identified which will drive the continuing discussion. One focus group will be held on:
Adult learners/students over the age of 30: Mar 21, 3:30-4:30pm, GLC Room G.
All graduate students are welcome to come and voice their experiences on what can be done to make the Graduate School accommodating to all! No registration required. If interested, please attend. For more information, contact Bethany Martindale at blmart@vt.edu.
20. ABSTRACT REVIEWERS SOUGHT FOR GSA RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM – 3rd posting
The Graduate Student Assembly is looking for abstract reviewers for its 30th annual Graduate Research Symposium to be held on Wednesday, Mar 26 in the GLC. This is a chance to see the other side of conferences as a peer reviewer, as well as an excellent item for your CV. Abstracts are written in a cross-disciplinary style, and reviewers are not required to be experts in each discipline. If you are interested, please sign up at: http://blogs.lt.vt.edu/graduatestudentassembly/graduate-research-symposium/graduate-research-symposium-abstract-reviewer-sign-up-2/. If you have any questions, contact Joyce Zhu, Research Symposium Chair: niz@vt.edu, or Jenn Gooding, GSA Executive Assistant: jgooding@vt.edu.
21. SURVEY PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR RESEARCH ON SMART PHONE APP – 3rd posting
To assist a computer science graduate student in her researching and implementing a smartphone application for campus-wide communication, consider taking a short research survey on mobile device usage. The survey should take less than approximately ten minutes. Your anonymous contributions will provide valuable statistics for the research project. Please email any questions or inquiries to Kimberly Zeitz at kazeitz@vt.edu. The survey is accessible at https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1392736001836.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
CUPCAKES WITH THE FELLOWS
Monday, Mar 17, 5:00pm, GLC Student Lounge
Enjoy St. Patrick’s Day themed cupcakes and goodies and learn what being a GLC Fellow is all about. There are two Fellow slots open for next year (application info is above in the listserve posting) and this is your chance to meet with the three current graduate students in the role and ask them about their life as a Fellow.
SHORT STAT COURSE FOR GRADS: ADVANCED TOPICS IN R
Tuesday, Mar 18, 4:00-6:00pm, 3060 Torg
R is a powerful open-source programming environment primarily known for its statistical capabilities. This workshop will cover some advanced applications of R: distributed computing using the snowfall package, applications of the bootstrap, and structural equation modeling (SEM), as well as the basic theory and application of the bootstrap, show how it can be parallelized across a single multicore machine, and conclude with an application of the bootstrap to SEM. The prerequisites for the course are a basic familiarity with R, familiarity with the apply suite of functions, and the ability to define one’s own functions. For more information, visit www.lisa.stat.vt.edu. See www.lisa.stat.vt.edu/?q=short_courses for instructions on how to register and to learn more. Remaining Spring 2014 Schedule:
Tuesday, Apr 1 (no kidding): Survey Design and Analysis;
Tuesday, Apr 10: Accelerating statistical calculations using inexpensive graphics cards;
Tuesday, Apr 15: Multiple Imputation and Missing Data.
MARKETING THE BRAND: YOU!
Wednesday, Mar 19, 11:30 am-1:00pm, Brush Mountain Room A, Squires
Marketing “you” as a brand is not just about finding a new job. Join this Women’s Month program exploring how perception is brand; a job title does not define you; how to use online media, networking and traditional tactics to build a loyalty base among your colleagues, supervisors, and executives. Light lunch will be served. Sponsored by Multicultural Academic Opportunities Program (MAOP) and The Graduate School. Register at https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1392930036869.
TOASTMASTERS INTEREST MEETING GLC
Thursday, Mar 20, 7:00-9:00pm, GLC Room F
"Looking to improve your speaking and leadership skills? Ace a job interview, conference presentation or thesis defense? Blacksburg Toastmasters Club can help grad students achieve these goals in a no-pressure atmosphere, through prepared and impromptu speeches and peer feedback. Come see us at work, learn what is in it for you and get acquainted with our practices! http://www.toastmasters.org/"
NETWORK LUNCHEON FOR JEWISH GRADUATE STUDENTS
Tuesday, Mar 25, 12-1pm, GLC Room D
Come and connect with fellow graduate students of Jewish background and hear their experiences with their culture and religion. Lunch will be provided. Fill out this survey: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_9F5STTXYKtiYsaV by Monday, March 24!