September 22-28, 2014

1.  WEEKLY WALK-IN SERVICES IN THE GLC – FALL SCHEDULE

  • Career services: will start Oct 1, GLC Lobby
  • Counseling by Cook: Thursdays and Fridays, 1:00-5:00pm, Green Room
  • Financial aid advising: Tuesdays 3:30-5:00, 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
  • Statistical consulting by LISA: Tu, Th, F, 10:00-12:00, Room A
  • Writing Center walk-in assistance: Tuesdays 6:00-8:00, Room A (additional hours in the Library)

 2. GSA GRADUATE AND PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL FAIR
Monday, Sept 22, 4:30-7:00pm, Squires Commonwealth Ballroom
Wondering what graduate programs might be right for you? Want to know what else is out there beyond your own program? The Graduate Student Assembly will host its annual Graduate and Professional School Fair with over one hundred graduate and professional schools from around the country. For a list of schools attending, visit:  http://blogs.lt.vt.edu/graduatestudentassembly/graduate-and-professional-school-fair/graduate-schools-and-institutions-attending-gpsf-2014/. If you have questions, please e-mail: jgooding@vt.edu.

3. PEACE CORPS GENERAL INTEREST MEETING
Monday, Sep 22, 6:30-7:30pm, GLC Room G
The world is waiting. What can you learn? What can you share? Serving in the Peace Corps is a great way to help a community develop sustainability, immerse yourself in a new culture, learn a new language, and have the experience of a lifetime. The Peace Corps has been dedicated to peace and global friendship since its inception in 1961. In this session, participants will learn about our new streamlined application process and how to apply their skills and knowledge in an international context. Open to all, contact PeaceCorps@vt.edu for information or connect on FB at Peace Corps at Virginia Tech.

4. FULBRIGHT OPPORTUNITIES INFO SESSIONS
Wednesday, Sep 24, 2:30–4:00pm, North End Center, Hampton Roads Room
Thursday, Sep 25, 11:00am–12:30pm, North End Center, Hampton Roads Room
The Office of the Senior Vice President and Provost, in conjunction with the Phi Beta Delta International Honor Society, will host two information sessions for students interested in learning more about Fulbright opportunities. Additionally, there will be a Fulbright networking reception on Wednesday, Sep 24, 4:30–6:30 at the Holtzman Alumni Center Gallery. RSVPs are appreciated; please contact Kathy Murphy, kathymm@vt.edu; 231-9987.

5. GLC CAFÉ
Thursday, Sep 25, 3:30-5:00pm, GLC Reading Room or GLC side patio (Bookstore side behind shrubs)
Take a break and enjoy coffee, tea, and cookies in the company of your graduate student and Grad School colleagues.

6. KIDS’ NIGHT OUT – FREE WEEKLY DROP IN CHILD CARE
Thursdays, 6:00-8:30pm, Women’s Center (206 Washington Street, enter up the stairs in the parking lot)
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 (must be toilet trained). No need to pre-register. Childcare provided by the volunteers 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, 231-7806.

7. GLC GAME NIGHT
Thursday, Sep 25, 7:00-10:00pm, GLC Student Lounge
Join other graduate students in a night of board games and free food!  This is a great way to hang out with friends, meet new people, and escape the stresses of grad school.  Various board games will be available.  Not sure how to play one?  That’s fine; we’ll teach you!  This event is sponsored by the GLC Fellows.

8. GLC MOVIE NIGHT: OCEAN’S ELEVEN
Friday, Sep 26, 8:00pm, GLC
The GLC Fellows are hosting a movie night in the Graduate Life Center, and you selected the classis casino heist movie, Ocean’s Eleven. Refreshments will be provided, but space is limited, so be sure to get there early. For more information contact GLC Fellow George Elane at gle0001@vt.edu.

9. PATHFINDERS- CHRISTIAN STUDY GROUP FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS – 2nd posting
Sundays, 11:15am-12:15pm, Blacksburg Baptist Church Room 216
Join the group for Bible study and fellowship, as well as some organized fellowship activities (such as hiking, cookouts, and game night) throughout the semester. For more information contact Kay (kibbell@yahoo.com) or Jeanette (marie071@vt.edu).

10. SUBMISSIONS ARE INVITED FOR GLC ART AND PHOTO CONTEST – 2nd posting
The Graduate School invites submissions of art work and photography by graduate students for display in the GLC during GLC Open House on Oct 24, 2014 through end of March 2015. Submissions are limited to three pieces (art and/or photography) per graduate student. Photos may be submitted online to be printed by the Graduate School. Submission deadline: Monday, Oct 21, 5:00pm. Learn more at http://www.graduatelifecenter.vt.edu/contest/.

11. CALL FOR SHOW & TELL PRESENTATIONS AT GLC OPEN HOUSE – 2nd posting
Graduate students are sought for show & tell presentations during the fall GLC Open House on Friday, Oct 24. The purpose of these presentations is to showcase to other graduate students and the public the many ways in which graduate study and research can fun, exciting and intriguing. Demonstrations can be 10-30 minutes long, preferably highly visual and/or participatory, and should show something interesting to a general audience about your discipline, research, or materials/equipment you are working with. For examples, a chemistry student might demonstrate how to use liquid nitrogen to make ice cream; a mechanical engineering student may show how a Segway is used in research and allow the audience to test-drive one. The Graduate School may be able to assist with the purchase of supplies if needed.  Please complete this survey if you are interested in participating: https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1410795455841.

12. STUDENT CONDUCT SEEKS APPLICANTS FOR COMMITTEE IN 2015-16 – 2nd posting              
VT Student Conduct invites students to apply to serve on the Student Conduct Committee during the 2015-2016 academic year. The strength of the Hokie community and conduct process is defined significantly by students who serve in a committee role. Therefore, outstanding student leaders are sought to support and advance the educational mission of Student Conduct and Virginia Tech. Selected candidates will complete an eight-week training program during the Spring 2015 semester that equips new committee members with the leadership, conflict resolution, communication, and critical thinking skills needed to be a successful member of the team. Committee members will serve with a group of 3-4 other students during the 2015-2016 academic year. Attend an interest session on Wednesday, Sep 24, 6:00–7:00pm in Squires 300 to learn more, or visit  http://www.studentconduct.vt.edu; find the online application at https://gobblerconnect.vt.edu/form/start/49254. Deadline: 5:00pm, Oct 15, 2014. Contact Lexi Fisher at afisher4@ vt.edu with any questions. 

13. APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED FOR OPEN CON 2014 CONFERENCE SCHOLARSHIP – 3rd posting
Graduate students are invited to apply for one of two available travel scholarships to OpenCon 2014, the student and early-career researcher conference on Open Access, Open Education, and Open Data to be held Nov 15-17, 2014 in Washington, DC. The scholarships cover travel expenses, lodging, and some meals. One scholarship available for a graduate student, and one for a grad or undergrad student. Apply by Friday, Sep 26 at http://opencon2014.org/virginiatech. Learn more about the conference at http://opencon2014.org/program and at http://opencon2014.org/apply/faq. This international conference offers an unparalleled opportunity to learn about the growing culture of openness in academia and how to become a participant in it. The travel scholarships are sponsored by the Graduate School and the University Libraries’ Open Access Week committee. Winners will be selected on the basis of their answers to the application questions, and announced on October 3. For questions, contact Philip Young, pyoung1@vt.edu.

14. INVITATION TO JOIN INTERNATIONAL AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION ONLINE COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE – 3rd posting
Are you interested in agriculture education, either in the United States or internationally? Would you like to know what other agriculture educators are implementing around the world? The Department of Agricultural, Leadership, and Community Education and the Office of International Research, Education, and Development have partnered to develop an online community of practice for international agriculture education and training practitioners. The creation of this virtual community allows agriculture educators to collaborate by sharing information, knowledge, and resources, thereby supporting both students, local practitioners, and the general public. All are welcome to register, join, and be a part of this opportunity to connect with other agricultural practitioners around the world. Access to register is available at https://www.innovate-community.oired.vt.edu/welcome . For more questions or information, contact Amy Vu at avu@vt.edu.

15. GSA DELEGATES SOUGHT TO REPRESENT ACADEMIC DEPARTMENTS – 3rd posting
The Graduate Student Assembly (GSA) is seeking departmental delegates to represent the graduate student body. The GSA is a governance organization that: 1.) Provides representation and voice for all graduate students in university governance and administration; 2.) Provides support and funding opportunities to all graduate students for their academic pursuits; 3.) Organizes events such as the GSA Research Symposium that benefit the whole Graduate Student community.  Two graduate students from each department serve as representatives to the GSA. Departmental GSA delegates are responsible for: 1.) Bringing concerns and issues from their constituents to the GSA; 2.) Participating in discussions of issues during GSA delegate meetings, culminating in recommendation and resolutions; 3.) Informing their constituents of relevant policies, issues, events and funding opportunities; 4.) Participating in the planning and organization of GSA events and programs. If you would like to be a GSA delegate for your department, contact your department’s graduate coordinator and/or program director about your department’s policy on selecting delegates. If you have been chosen as a delegate, email Vice President of GSA Matt Chan (mychan@vt.edu) so you can be added to the delegate listserv.

16. HR TRAINING ASSISTANT WAGE POSITION IN STUDENT AFFAIRS HR OFFICE – 2nd posting
The Division of Student Affairs HR office is looking for a graduate student for a wage position, 10-15 hrs/wk at about $10 per hour. The HR Training Assistant helps coordinate DSA HR training events, performs office administration duties including database entry, research, correspondence, listservs, reports and spreadsheets; electronic files and databases, and other duties. Qualifications: Instructional design, talent development, business school education and/or equivalent training and experience in office administration, business, and/or related experience. Previous experience with coordination of training or event planning; handling sensitive and confidential information, documents, and files; working in a customer service environment. Exceptional customer service skills with the ability to communicate in a professional and courteous manner; interact respectfully and comfortably with all individuals in a diverse, multicultural environment; exercising excellent judgment, discretion, initiative.  Demonstrated experience using computers including Windows, MSOffice suite and internet search engines for research. To Apply, email resume and cover letter to Greg Beecher, DSA Human Resources, gbeecher@vt.edu.

17. GOBBLERFEST SURVEY – 2nd posting
Share your Gobblerfest 2014 experience by completing a short survey. If you attended Gobblerfest and respond to this survey, you can be entered to win two (2) tickets to see Chance the Rapper in concert on October 14th. Access the survey at http://studentvoice.com/vt/gobblerfest2014survey. The survey will remain open until Sep 30 at 11:59pm.

18. VT/LCI CONVERSATION PARTNERS PROGRAM SEEKS VOLUNTEERS – 2nd posting
Would you like to learn more about another country? Do you enjoy spending time with international students?  If so, you should consider becoming a conversation partner! It is difficult for international students to meet Americans with whom they can practice their English, but this is an opportunity to learn about each other’s countries and cultures. Students in the VT Language and Culture Institute can practice their English communication skills and learn about U.S. culture and college life, while you can learn about another country, another culture, and perhaps practice your foreign language skills. Conversation partners meet regularly throughout the semester, an hour a week, talk about mutual interests, or explore the New River Valley together. Must have English as the first language. If you would like to volunteer, contact Yara Haddad at yara125@vt.edu for an application before Sep 26.

19. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR SOCIAL MOOD AND RECALL STUDY – 3rd posting
Participants are sought for a study examining responses to a mood task. Phase I involves questionnaires related to background, mood, and health. If you decide to participate, you will be asked to respond to an online questionnaire expected to last 30-45 minutes. Based on your responses to the measures, you may or may not be contacted for participation in the second portion of the study, which would be in a lab setting. This will involve you thinking about mood states and expressing these mood states to another same-gendered participant. During these tasks, heart rate measures will be recorded from electrodes placed on your skin. A same-gendered experimenter will provide a tutorial to show you how to place the electrode strap around your torso. You will also be asked to complete a series of questionnaires about your emotional experiences. In the event that you are eligible for the second part of the study, you will be contacted by email and will be entered into a raffle to win one of three $50 gift cards, and receive extra credit, when applicable. Contact Jonathan Waldron, jwaldron22@vt.edu or call 540-231-2594 for more information. Complete the initial survey at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_06Ptw2wFtt8X2CN.

Upcoming Events:

STUDENTS WITH CHILDREN CONNECT SOCIAL – KIDS ARE WELCOME
Friday, Oct 3, 3:30-5:00pm, GLC Room B, GLC
Join other graduate student parents to talk about the graduate student experience with kids or with expecting kids. RSVP at https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1408723983089. Contact Dannette Beane with questions at dannette@vt.edu. More information at https://graduateschool.vt.edu/connect_lunch.

SHORT STAT COURSE: SAS – VISUAL ANALYTICS
Wednesday, Oct 15, 8:00am-12:00pm, Solitude Room, The Inn at Virginia Tech
Taught by Dr. Tom Bohannon, this short course will demo SAS Visual Analytics to show that you can explore all relevant data quickly and easily. You can look at more options, uncover hidden opportunities, identify key relationships and make more precise decisions faster than ever before. Self-service, ad hoc visual data discovery and exploration put lightning-fast insights within everyone’s reach. Absolutely no coding required. Sophisticated analytics, including decision trees, on-the-fly forecasting and scenario analysis, have been seamlessly integrated with ease-of-use features such as auto charting, "what does it mean" pop-ups, and drag-and-drop capabilities. To enroll visit: http://app.nli.tlos.vt.edu/registration/all_courses/?specificcourse=841 .

SHORT STAT COURSE: SAS – MIXED MODELS
Wednesday, Oct 15, 8:00am-12:00pm, Torgersen 1100 (Learning Studio)
Taught by Dr. Michael Speed, this intro to mixed models uses SAS Enterprise Guide to analyze linear mixed models using PROC MIXED. Topics include analyzing data with random effects; learning how to determine what is being tested for the fixed effects; fitting random coefficient models; analyzing repeated measures data; and performing residual and influence diagnostic analysis. A case study will be presented to illustrate all of the concepts and procedures presented in the workshop. As part of the Global Academic Program at SAS, Michael Speed teaches classes for faculty and students and conducts research in linear models, generalized linear models, nonlinear mixed models, and data mining. Enroll at http://app.nli.tlos.vt.edu/registration/all_courses/?specificcourse=838.  Contact Anne Driscoll at agryan@vt.edu with any questions.

BLUE RIDGE FULBRIGHT ASSOCIATION FALL DINNER – register by 10/3
Friday, Oct 17, 6:30 pm, Holiday Inn Blacksburg
The local Fulbright chapter is honored to have Prof. Moira Baker from Radford University speak on “Experiencing the Academic Culture of Croatia”. (Cost: $28 / Students: $22 / Fulbright scholars: free). For more information and the official invitation email Tobias Ecker ecker@vt.edu or find them on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/FulbrightBlueRidgeVirginia. Reservations are due Oct 3.