August 18-24, 2014

1.  WEEKLY SERVICES IN THE GLC  – FALL SCHEDULE TO START AUG 25

Weekly services are on hiatus in the summer, except for the GLC café.
GLC Café: 3:30-5:00 every Thursday, Reading Room or GLC side patio – year round!

2. HEALTH INSURANCE SIGN UP AND INFO
Tuesday, Aug 19, 12:00-3:00pm, GLC Lobby
Thursday, Aug 21, 2:00-4:30pm, GLC Lobby
Friday, Aug 22, 10:00am-1:00pm, GLC Lobby
Stop by the GLC Lobby to sign up for student health insurance with Aetna and ask representatives any questions you may have. http://www.co.vt.edu/Risk/studenthealthinsr/.

3. YTOSS SALE 2014
Wednesday, Thursday, Aug 20-21, starting at 8:00am, McComas Hall
The 2014 Ytoss Sale is the biggest of its kind on campus: get your fans, lamps, desks, hutches, shelving, storage, chairs, mini-fridges, microwaves, school supplies and clothing at unbeatable prices. Gently used items were collected during spring move-out to be recycled to new and returning students. See http://www.vtymca.org/ytoss.html for more info.

4. UNDERREPRESENTED GRAD STUDENT LUNCHEON
Wednesday, Aug 20, 11:30am-1:00pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
Join new and returning underrepresented graduate students at this orientation luncheon and make new connections. Please register at https://jfe.qualtrics.com/form/SV_0wz3TzE78IwsRWR if you are planning to attend.

5. GSA WELCOME BACK BBQ
Wednesday, Aug 20, 5:00–8:00pm, University Club
The Graduate Student Assembly will host its annual welcome back barbecue for new and returning graduate students, catered by Mikey’s 7th this year! Options will include house smoked beef brisket and quinoa salad with organic cucumber and champagne dressing, among others. A variety of games will be available on the lawn. This is a great event to meet new graduate students and have some fun before the semester begins. This is a drop-in event, and registration is not required. This event is made possible by the co-sponsorship of the Graduate School.

6. MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME IN BLACKSBURG – WIN A NEW REFRIGERATOR!
Thursday, Aug 21, 4:30-6:00pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
New and returning students are invited to this event to help make new students feel at home in Blacksburg! Share your experiences and knowledge about the local community and the university. Free food and door prizes, including a refrigerator as the grand prize. This event replaces the weekly GLC Café – café regulars please come to the Multipurpose Room (there will be whipped cream for sure)! Sign up for this event at https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1402949254393 to help us estimate the food.

7. NEW GRAD STUDENT ORIENTATION
Friday, Aug 22, 9:00-10:45am, GLC Auditorium
The Graduate School’s welcome event for new students is filled with valuable information to help you get started in your studies at Virginia Tech. Meet the graduate student leaders and members of the Graduate School. Learn what is expected from students and faculty, while gaining helpful tips for a successful graduate career. Breakfast refreshments will be served starting at 8:30am in the GLC Multipurpose Room (across from the Auditorium).

7 ½. CAMPUS TOUR AND HOKIE HI PICNIC
Sunday, Aug 24, 2:30pm, Meet in the GLC Lobby
Take a walking tour around campus led by the GLC Fellows and then meet new students and enjoy great food at the Hokie Hi picnic on the Drillfield. Students who live on-campus can attend the picnic free. Off-campus students are welcome to attend, but must pay admission. If you just want to join the tour and not the picnic, that is perfectly fine too! Sign-up for the tour at https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1407853544806.

8. ENROLLMENT OPEN FOR STUDENT MEDICAL INSURANCE FOR 2014-15
Enroll now in the VT-sponsored student medical insurance plan through Aetna: the open enrollment period is from Jul 25-Sep 15. Learn more at http://www.co.vt.edu/Risk/studenthealthinsr/.

9. SIGN UP NOW FOR PAYROLL DEDUCTION OF COMP FEES FOR GRAD ASSISTANTS
The registration system for paying comprehensive fees through payroll deduction is now open.  Graduate students on an assistantship must either pay their comprehensive fees or enroll for payroll deductions before the payment deadline.  To enroll in payroll deductions, first register for classes, then login to Hokie SPA, choose University Account Information menu, and click on Graduate Students on Assistantship, enroll in Payroll Deduction. You must enroll in payroll deduction each semester in which you wish to take advantage of this opportunity. 

10. REGISTER FOR “GRAD” COURSES FOR FALL 2014
The Graduate School offers a wide array of courses to complement your major studies each semester. Open to all, no pre-requisites. Fall opportunities include:

  • GRAD 5014, Academic Integrity and Plagiarism – online course on writing ethics and correct citation of sources
  • GRAD 5104, Preparing the Future Professoriate – overview of higher education and faculty roles
  • GRAD 5124, Library Research Skills – online course on finding sources to support your work
  • GRAD 5204, Citizen Scholar Seminar – apply your research interests for the good of society
  • GRAD 5214, Diversity for a Global Society – prepare to work effectively in contemporary society
  • GRAD 5224G, Advanced Global Aspects of Intellectual Property Law – controversial topics related to medicine, knowledge, biological materials
  • GRAD 5314, Future Industrial Professional in Science and Engineering – guidance for pursuing careers in business and industry.

Learn more at http://graduateschool.vt.edu/gs/tge/fp_courses .

11. NSF GRFP APPLICATION PERIOD NOW OPEN – 1st posting
NSF is soliciting applications for the Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) until the posted deadlines in late October and early November 2014. Since 1952, GRFP has provided Fellowships to individuals selected early in their graduate careers based on their demonstrated potential for significant achievements in science and engineering. Three years of support is provided by the program for graduate study in science or engineering and leads to a research-based master’s or doctoral degree. The NSF expects to award 2,000 Graduate Research Fellowships under this program solicitation pending availability of funds:  GRFP PROGRAM SOLICITATION (NSF 14-590) http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2014/nsf14590/nsf14590.pdf.

12. GRAD ASSISTANTSHIP OPEN IN CTR FOR INNOVATION AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP – 1st posting
Full GA position for 2014-15, incumbent will organize, supervise, follow through to completion of various projects; review and data entry of graduate assistantship contracts and scholarships; research for trends in private and public funding for innovation and entrepreneurship; provide reference to students, faculty and academic departments in person as well as by telephone and email; assist in the supervision of student workers and interns. Applicants must have knowledge of grant writing and funding research; have experience with MS Office, especially Word and Excel; must have good command of the English language; good communication skills with a customer service orientation; able to work independently; have the ability to multi-task in a highly demanding office environment. Send cover letter, resume, and letters of reference to Chelsea Keating by mail or email by Sep 1. Pamplin College of Business, 1064 Pamplin Hall, Blacksburg, VA 24061. ckeating@vt.edu,540-231-6595.

13. NIGHT STUDY HALL HEAD MONITOR WAGE POSITION OPEN – 1st posting
The SAASS Study Hall Head Monitor reports to the Assistant Director for Student Athlete Academic Support Services in charge of study hall and is responsible for maintaining an environment for student-athletes that is conducive to studying. The Head Monitor enforces the rules and regulations that the student-athletes are expected to follow, maintaining a working environment during study hall hours, and communicating issues to the Assistant Directors.  The operator will also monitor team study hall in the event of a monitor cancellation.  Hours are 6:00-10:00pm Sunday through Thursday.  Wage is $12.00/hour. Applicants must exhibit professional conduct, have excellent problem-solving skills, and be able to work well with others. Must also be passionate about wanting to help undergraduate students.  For more information or to apply, contact Michael Swanhart at swanhart@vt.edu.

14. GLC STUDENT BUILDING MANAGER POSITIONS OPEN FOR FALL 2014 – 3rd posting
The GLC Student Building Manager works closely with the Operations Manager for Student Centers and Activities as well as the Graduate School to provide services to the patrons who use the GLC. This includes providing excellent customer service, overall building management, reserving rooms, oversight of the welcome center, basic cleaning (wiping tables, vacuuming, etc.) and administrative support. The Student Building Manager has primary responsibility, including emergency response, for the building during evening and weekend hours. Up to three positions to start during the fall  semester at a rate of $12/hour. Apply online at: https://listings.jobs.vt.edu/postings/47854. Contact Eric Margiotta (Margiotta@vt.edu) with questions.

15. WAGE POSITION OPEN IN GLC: DIGITAL MEDIA CONTENT MANAGER – 3rd posting
The incumbent is responsible for managing digital sign, web and Facebook content, including content development and scheduling, screen and software maintenance, website maintenance, and communication and coordination with Grad School and GLC Service Desk staff. Must be FT grad student, have experience with any of the following software applications: Drupal, Dreamweaver, Macromedia Flash, Photoshop, MS PP, MS Paint, Samsung MagicNet Pro, flash converters. Preference will be given for: at least one semester of previous VT enrollment; web maintenance experience; knowledge of services, programs and events offered in the GLC. Must possess excellent communication skills and be able to work in a team environment. Submit cover letter and resume to grads@vt.edu. Position open until filled. Anticipated starting date: Aug 25 or later. $13/hr, approx. 10 hrs/wk.

16. PAID INTERNSHIP IN NATIONAL ARTS CONSULTING FIRM FOR 2014-15 – 3rd posting
Graduate student intern sought for school year 14-15, ~10hrs/wk, $1000 stipend per semester. Intern will work closely with the partner relations coordinator and president of the firm in conducting research and providing project support for a range of initiatives, including Emerging Leaders Program for the League of American Orchestras; Innovation Lab for Performing Arts and Arts Development Agencies; Community Arts Education Leadership Institute, and Partners-in-Performance-sponsored workshops in the NRV. Project support will also be provided on leadership development initiatives, partnerships and mergers in the non-profit arts and culture field, and marketing efforts. The intern will also provide general office administration support as requested. To apply, submit a cover letter and résumé to jsizemore@partnersinperformance.us by Aug 29, 2014. Interviews will be conducted the following week. For more info contact: Jessica Sizemore, 540/953-1753, jsizemore@partnersinperformance.us, or visit www.partnersinperformance.us.

17. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR ONLINE SURVEY ABOUT ACADEMIC INTEGRITY – 1st posting
New and current VT graduate students are sought to complete an anonymous 20-minute online survey about academic integrity. Must be at least 18 years old to participate. This study examines the current state of graduate student understanding about academic integrity; results will be used to better understand how graduate students learn about academic integrity, how it affects them, and what measures are in place to preserve academic integrity at Virginia Tech. Results of this survey may be used for publication. Results from this study will be used to enhance graduate education. Access the survey at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_2tLTjMH2ilQp6El. For more information, please contact Martina Svyantek at svyantek@vt.edu.

18. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR “SLOW DOWN” PROGRAM FOR MOTHERS – 1st posting
Are you a mother with a child in grades K-5 for the 2014-5 school year? Would you like to learn a new way to approach eating with your family? Do you drink three or more sugar-sweetened drinks each day? (i.e. Soda, sweet tea, sports drinks, specialty coffee, fruit punch/juice, etc.) This program will help you learn about slowing down for meals and reconnecting with food. You will learn strategies for enjoying food and sharing that joy with your family. Participation involves completing a few short questionnaires and providing a salivary sample during the introductory meeting and participating in four group educational sessions. Each of the first three group meetings should take 60 minutes and the fourth will be 90 minutes. Light refreshments will be provided. As a thank-you, participants will be compensated $10-$60 on a gift card for participating in and completing the study. Contact Lauren Kennedy, kennedy0@vt.edu or call/text 540-808-5358 for more information.

Upcoming Events:

HEALTH SERVICES AND INSURANCE INFO SESSION
Tuesday, Aug 26, 5:30pm, GLC Room F
Representatives from Aetna Student Health and Schiffert Health Center will discuss how to enroll in the university-sponsored insurance, what the plan covers, and what services are offered at the health center.

LUNCH WITH THE DEAN
Wednesday, Aug 27, 12:00-1:00pm, GLC Room C
Meet Graduate School Dean Kr. Karen DePauw as well as several graduate student leaders at this free lunch and learn about the Dean’s latest plans for graduate education. Share your perspectives and get answers to your questions in a casual, intimate setting. Please register at https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1406569359878.

EXTERNAL FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES IN THE HUMANITIES
Wednesday, Aug 27, 6:30pm, GLC Room G
Learn about fellowships, travel grants and other kinds of funding in the humanities, with emphasis on grants for short-term projects.

CENTER FOR THE ARTS TOUR
Friday, Aug 29, 1:30pm, Center for the Arts
Take a tour of the amazing new Center for the Arts building with your fellow graduate students. The tour will include visiting both exhibition galleries, the Cube, and the Fife Theatre. Sign-up for the tour at https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1408374743129.