March 24-30, 2014

1.  WEEKLY SERVICES IN THE GLC – updated 3/17

  • 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
  • Financial Aid advising: Tuesdays 8:30-10:30 by appointment; 10:30-12:30 by walk-in, Room A
  • 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
  • Writing Center walk-in assistance: Thursdays 4:30-7:30, Room D (additional hours in the Library)

2. GRAD STUDENT ART AND PHOTO CONTEST – VOTE THIS WEEK!
Monday-Friday, Mar 24-28, all day all week
Vote on your favorite grad student art and photography displayed throughout the first floor of the GLC. Pick up voting sheets at the Welcome Desk and earn a raffle ticket by voting. Easy as pie.

3. GRAD ED WEEK KICKOFF AT NEWMAN
Monday, Mar 24, 8:30-10:30am, Newman Library 1st floor Multipurpose Room
Jumpstart Grad Ed Week with coffee and a continental breakfast at Newman and meet, chat, and have coffee with experts at the library who can help you with a number of things related to your research and teaching.

4. MINDFULNESS TECHNIQUES SESSION
Monday, Mar 24, 1:00-2:00pm, GLC Room B
Learn how to get rid of some of your stress and relax in 15 minutes. Sponsored by Cook Counseling Center.

5. CITIZEN SCHOLAR RECOGNITION CEREMONY
Monday, Mar 24, 4:00-5:30, GLC Room B
Graduate students who have put theory into practice for the advancement of a community will present their projects and receive the Citizen Scholar award. Stop by to meet our newest-minted citizen scholars and see what they are doing to make the world a better place!

6. STUDENT HEALTH INSURANCE FORUM
Monday, Mar 24, 4:00-6:00pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
Representatives from the Student Medical Insurance office 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.

7. BUILDING RESEARCH CAPACITY IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
Monday, Mar 24, 6:00-7:30pm, GLC Room G
Learn how the Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis can help you in your research and the efforts they are making to create a network of 20 statistical collaboration laboratories in developing countries by 2020. Free pizza!

8. DEANS’ FORUM ON GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT
Tuesday-Thursday, Mar 25-27, The Inn, Squires, Library
Explore the many programs, including performances, featured speakers, panel discussions, and break-out sessions, at this 3-day forum that highlight the many ways in which faculty and students at Virginia Tech engage in projects that span the globe. http://www.eng.vt.edu/deansforum.

9. KEYS TO DEVELOPING A SUCCESSFUL ACADEMIC CAREER
Tuesday, Mar 25, 9:00-11:30am, GLC Room F
Dr. Dale Shunk, former dean of the School of Education at UNC Greensboro, will provide tips on becoming a successful scholar. Open to all faculty and students.

10. TIE-DYE T-SHIRTS
Tuesday, Mar 25, 10:00am-1:00pm, Graduate School Lawn
Bring your GEW t-shirt or pick one up at this event and tie-dye it with the help of GLC Fellows. If the weather is bad, this event will be postponed to Friday and will be held during the big cookout.

11. BUILDING A PROFESSIONAL CAREER WITH PURPOSE: DR. RACHEL WILLIAMS
Tuesday, Mar 25, 12:00-1:15pm, GLC Room C
Meet over lunch with graduate alumna Dr. Rachel K. Williams, director of operations and deputy at a business in Northern Virginia. Learn about Dr. William’s journey through graduate school and the steps she took to build a highly successful professional career, balancing work and life. Free lunch provided; registration is requested at https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1395091735519 .

12. 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!

13. GRAD YOGA
Tuesday, Mar 25, 3:30-4:30pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
In-Balance Yoga Studio invites you to enjoy a free yoga session led by grad student instructors. All levels of practice are welcome.

14. WORK-LIFE GRANT REUNION AND INFO SESSION FOR EXPECTANT GRADS
Tuesday, Mar 25, 4:00-6:00pm, GLC Room B
Meet past and current beneficiaries of the work-life grant and learn how the program supports expectant graduate assistants. Stop by to chat if you are thinking about starting a family while in graduate school! This is a family-friendly event. Please sign up at https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1394219808683.

15. GRAD NIGHT AT THE LYRIC: THE MONUMENTS MEN
Tuesday, Mar 25, showings at 7:00 and 9:15pm, The Lyric Theatre
Enjoy a night at the movies, courtesy of the Graduate School and The Lyric. Pick up your free ticket at the GLC Welcome Desk or in 120 GLC, the Graduate School’s student service area.

16. FREE ANXIETY AND OCD SUPPORT GROUP AVAILABLE
Tuesday, Mar 25, 7:00pm, VT Psyc Services Ctr (3110 Prices Fork Rd)
Are you feeling overwhelmed by anxiety? Do you struggle with OCD? A free monthly support group meets the last Tuesday of every month. Join the group at the VT Psychological Services Center (3110 Prices Fork Road) to learn more about anxiety disorders and OCD, hear success stories from those who have worked to overcome their anxiety and OCD, and receive support in an informal setting. Family members and significant others are also welcome. If you have questions or would like more information, please contact the Psychological Services Center at 231-6914, visit www.psyc.vt.edu/outreach/psc, or email doctoral student Brenna Maddox at bmaddox7@vt.edu.

17. REMOVING THE MYSTERY OF THE ETD REVIEW
Tuesday, Mar 25, 7:00-8:00pm, GLC Room G
Learn how to format your electronic thesis/dissertation, use EndNote for citations, and what happens to your ETD after you submit it to the Graduate School. Bring your laptop and a pdf copy of your ETD.

18. GSA RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM AND EXPO
Wednesday, Mar 26, all day, GLC Multipurpose Room and meeting rooms
Review the latest in graduate research at this interactive networking forum and poster session, and sit in on presentations as your time allows. Brought to you by the Graduate Student Assembly.

19. GLOBAL CAFÉ AT DEETS
Wednesday, Mar 26, 11:00am-1:00pm, Deet’s Place (first floor of D2)
This is a time for international and domestic students to come together in candid conversation, in hopes of encouraging relationships across diverse student groups. Come and go as you please; there will be free drinks and snacks provided by Deet’s Place.

20. CENTER FOR THE ARTS TOUR
Wednesday, Mar 26, 12:15pm, meet in the Grand Lobby at the Center for the Arts
Tour the newly opened Moss Center for the Arts and feel the inspiration! This exclusive tour offers a "behind the scenes look" at current exhibits and more. There is no cost for the tour, but registration is required: https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1395081030126. Space is limited so please let us know if you sign-up and can no longer make it. (grads@vt.edu)

21. LINKED-IN LAB AND PROFESSIONAL PHOTO OP
Wednesday, Mar 26, 2:00-5:00pm, GLC Lobby
Have a free professional headshot photo taken for your LinkedIn profile and learn about how you can use LinkedIn for your job search. Career Services staff will assist you with a review of your profile. Wear appropriate shirt/top for your photo.

22. ISLAMIC STUDENT ASSEMBLY SOCIAL/CULTURAL EVENT
Thursday, Mar 27, 12:00-1:00pm, Cardinal Room, Squires Student Center
Haithem Taha, doctoral student and member of the Islamic Student Assembly, invites all grad students to this social and cultural event that will include oriental food along with a middle-eastern cultural video show. For more information contact Haithem at hezzat@vt.edu.

23. GLC CAFÉ: GEW EDITION WITH MUG RAFFLE
Thursday, Mar 20, 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, or test your luck in the mug raffle.

24. PARADE OF NATIONS – SIGN UP NOW!
Friday, Mar 28, 3:30-4:15pm, GLC Plaza (Starting point)
Register at http://www.recsports.vt.edu/events/parade-nations now to showcase a flag representing one of the 108 countries at Virginia Tech!  This event is free and open to everyone. Participants will walk from GLC Plaza to Burruss Hall, to West Campus Drive and McComas Hall showcasing global Hokie pride.  All participants are also welcome to enjoy free food and fun at the Hokie World Games which will begin immediately afterwards in McComas Gym.  Sponsored by Recreational Sports.

25. GRAD ED WEEK BIG COOKOUT
Friday, Mar 28, 4:30-6:30pm, Graduate School Lawn and GLC Multipurpose Room
As is our tradition, Graduate Education Week will wrap with the annual favorite big cookout on the lawn. All graduate students and their families are invited to enjoy free food (vegetarian and meat options), music, and games. Bring a blanket!

26. CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS FOR GLC-NEWS APR 1 SPECIAL EDITION
Here is your opportunity to get published in a peer-viewed online weekly notice: Submit your fake event description, faux call for research subjects, and other nonexistent opportunities for graduate students for the April 1 special edition of the GLC weekly listserv posting. Exercise your imagination and writing skills and earn extra points (in the form of chocolates and candy in 117 GLC) for a creative event or research idea, succinct description, and completeness of details. Submission deadline: March 31, midnight. Send to gibsonm@vt.edu, with subject line: You are a fool.

27. VT ENGAGE APPLICATION DEADLINE EXTENDED TO MAR 31
The John E. Dooley Student Engagement Grant (JEDSEG) application deadline has been extended until Mar 31 at midnight. 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. Student teams can be informal or formal registered student organizations. Undergraduate and graduate students are eligible to apply. Check out all the details and apply for the grant at www.engage.vt.edu or contact Lauren at kennedy0@vt.edu with any questions.

28. ON-CAMPUS COMMENCEMENT LODGING FOR FAMILIES – 2nd  posting
Family and friends of graduating students who plan to attend commencement ceremonies and celebrations in Blacksburg May 15 to 18 may wish to consider convenient overnight accommodations right on campus. Virginia Tech will again provide residence hall rooms and suites for families and guests of graduates. Guests may opt for a two-night or three-night package which include on campus parking and all-you-care-to-eat meals in VT’s award-winning D2 Dining Center.  Visit http://www.housing.vt.edu/conference/commencement/lodging.html to make reservations. 

29. REGISTER NOW TO PARTICIPATE IN GRAD OLYMPICS 2014 DURING GRAD ED WEEK – 3rd posting
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=1395069004640.

30. GSA TRAVEL FUND PROGRAM ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS MARCH 10–28  – 3rd posting
From Mar 10 to Mar 28 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). Visit http://blogs.lt.vt.edu/graduatestudentassembly/travel-fund-program/travel-fund-application-form/ to view frequently asked questions and submit your application. Disregard all information on the GSA TFP website and refer only to the above link. 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.

31. CALL FOR NOMINATIONS FOR CISO BOARD MEMBERS – 2nd posting
Nominations are now being accepted for Council of International Student Organizations (CISO) board members.  Deadline: Mar 31.  To apply or for more information visit:  http://www.international.vt.edu/programs_and_activities/ciso/index.html.

32. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR DRIVING SIMULATOR STUDY – 1st posting
VT-SCORES (VT Signal Control & Operation Research and Education Systems lab) is conducting a driving simulator study to investigate driver behavior, performance, and attention when encountering car-following situations.  The study looks at the effects of emotions on driver behavior through the use of psychological (emotion) and physiological (heart rate, skin conductance) data. The study will take no more than two hours, and participants will deal with driving simulation equipment to help contribute to the understanding of dangerous driving behaviors that could reduce frequency of these behaviors and ultimately save lives. You can opt out of the experiment at any time if you experience dizziness or any similar minimal risks associated with driving simulation studies, or for any other reason. Must be licensed drivers at least 18 or older. Data obtained from the simulator will be confidential. If you are interested in participating or have questions about the procedure, contact Bryan at 540-921-7150, bryan.higgs@vt.edu.

33. FEEDBACK SOUGHT ABOUT STUDENT HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN – 3rd 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.

34. GRAD STUDENTS INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE BIG EVENT-3rd 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.

35. UPCOMING EVENTS:

VIRTUAL CAREER FAIR – REGISTER NOW!
April 1-3, live online      
Register online at http://secacc.careereco.net/students-alumni/virtual-career-fair-registration/; meet more than 60 employers and explore opportunities for full-time jobs, internships, co-ops in engineering, technology, business, accounting, marketing, sales, science, HR and more.

EVERYONE MATTTERS DAY: HOKIE IDENTITY DIGITAL EXHIBIT
Wednesday, Apr 2, 10:30am-2:00pm,  Newman Library Multipurpose Room
This event will highlight the diversity that exists within the Hokie community. Everyone Matters is a global campaign advocating for everyone’s dignity and respect. This digital exhibit will feature photographs and video clips of VT students, faculty, and staff. Organizers are looking for a picture or video clip highlighting who you are and why you matter. Photos and videos will be continuously displayed from 10:30am to 2:00pm. Refreshments will be served.

GRADUATION 101 SERIES: ETD REVIEW
Friday, Apr 4, 1:00pm, Online
The Graduate School is hosting monthly Graduation 101 Webinars.  Webinar participants will need a computer with Internet access, microphone and speakers to fully participate. Meeting number: 645 468 465. This meeting does not require a password. Hosted by Marija Telbis-Forster.  Join at https://virginiatech.webex.com/virginiatech/j.php?ED=268947082&UID=0&RT=MiMxMQ%3D%3D. For assistance contact Marija at mtelbisf@vt.edu. 

HIKE TO THE CASCADES
Sunday, Apr 6, 9:30am, meet at the GLC Lobby
The GLC Fellows invite all grad students for a hike to Cascade Falls. Transportation will be provided or you can drive separately and meet the group there. Those who need transportation, meet at the GLC at 9:30 am; organizers will cover the vehicle access fees. The hike will be of moderate difficulty and shouldn’t take more than 4 hours total. The number of spots is limited so please register  at https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1395420464518 and receive updates on the trip.