1. SHORT STAT COURSE: DESIGN OF EXPERIMENTS
Tuesday, Oct 7, 5:30-7:30pm, GLC Room G
When researchers properly design an experiment, they are able to control important factors associated with the outcome of interest, therefore collecting useful data that may provide strong evidence for causality. In this short course, presenter Ana Maria Ortega Villa will discuss the three basic principles of design of experiments: 1) randomization (to limit bias) 2) replication (to improve estimation of effects), and 3) local control of error (to reduce variability from known sources). Participants will use two example data sets to illustrate the three principles and their application to two straightforward design scenarios, and enter and analyze the data in JMP, a software that can be acquired in Torgesen Bridge. This course is aimed for students with no design of experiments background and assumes that the audience is familiar with concepts such as hypothesis testing and p-value. See www.lisa.stat.vt.edu/?q=short_courses for instructions on how to register and to learn more.
2. VT GRADUATION FAIR
Wednesday, Oct 8, 11:30am–7:30pm, Holtzman Alumni Center
Virginia Tech’s official graduation fair is a one-stop shop for all of you graduation needs. Purchase everything from your cap and gown to your diploma frame. Representatives will be available to assist you in ordering your official Virginia Tech announcements and class ring. Music, free food, giveaways, and door prizes. Take a tour of the beautiful Holtzman Alumni Center and learn about all the programs and services the Virginia Tech Alumni Association has to offer. For more information contact Gwen Harrington, gwharrin@vt.edu, or visit http://www.alumni.vt.edu/gradfair/.
3. ARE YOU LINKED-IN?
Wednesday, Oct 8, 5:30-6:30pm, GLC Room G
Networking is essential in any job search, and LinkedIn can be a powerful tool in that process. Attend this session to learn how to write a professional profile, basics of networking etiquette on LinkedIn, and tips for making LinkedIn work for you!
4. GLC CAFÉ
Thursday, Oct 9, 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.
5. 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.
6. PRESIDENTIAL MANAGEMENT FELLOWS PROGRAM – APPLY OCT 1-15
The PMF Program is a flagship leadership development program at the entry level for advanced degree candidates. The program attracts and selects the best candidates possible, but is designed with a more narrow focus – developing a cadre of potential government leaders. A unique aspect of the program is the STEM track, which gives applicants in a STEM career the opportunity to apply specifically to this program and be considered only for STEM jobs in agencies across government. Complete information at http://www.pmf.gov/.
7. GSA TRAVEL FUND PROGRAM’S FALL APPLICATION CYCLE OCT 6-26 – 2nd posting
If you’re planning to travel or have traveled to present your research at a scholarly conference between Jul 1 and Dec 31, 2014, consider applying for the Graduate Student Assembly’s Travel Fund Program (TFP). Last year, the TFP provided partial reimbursement of travel and registration expenses to over 200 graduate students. Masters/doctoral students and domestic/intl travel are all eligible. Applications accepted for the fall cycle from Mon, Oct 6 8:00am to Sun, Oct 26 5:00pm. (Reimbursement for travel Jan-Jun 2015 will take place this coming spring). Visit http://blogs.lt.vt.edu/graduatestudentassembly/travel-fund-program/ for details and to apply. Read all the eligibility requirements and the FAQ. Check out the GSA’s other programs and opportunities while you’re there! Contact Kasey Richardson, TFP Chair at tfp2014@vt.edu with questions.
8. PEO INTL PEACE SCHOLARSHIP FOR WOMEN – 2nd posting
This scholarship is designed for international women who are working toward a graduate degree. Must have full year of coursework remaining and be enrolled/in residence for entire school year. For information about IPS policies, instructions and eligibility form, visit http://www.peointernational.org/about-peo-international-peace-scholarship-ips.
9. SNAP CHALLENGE – 2nd posting
Take the 2014 Blacksburg Farmers Market SNAP Challenge! Walk a mile in the shoes of hungry families in our community by pledging to live on a SNAP (Food Stamp) budget for one week, Oct 11-17, 2014. Learn how local families stretch their SNAP food budget with help from The Blacksburg Farmers Market by taking this challenge. Free tote bags for the first 100 people who sign up. Go to the Eat Smart, Move More blog http://goo.gl/6A4edy to take the pledge and learn more about the challenge.
10. SUBMISSIONS ARE INVITED FOR GLC ART AND PHOTO CONTEST – deadline 10/21
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. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR ONLINE SURVEY ABOUT ACADEMIC INTEGRITY – 1st posting
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. Participation is voluntary and anonymous; 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.
12. VOLUNTERS SOUGHT TO REVIEW UGRAD ESSAYS ON VT COMMON BOOK -2nd posting
Dr. Megan O’Neill, Assoc. Director of First Year Experiences, is seeking graduate student reviewers to help review common-book short essays written by undergraduates. Information about the common book program can be found at http://www.commonbook.vt.edu/. Time commitment ranges from a few to several hours depending on reading speed, between Oct 15-Nov 1. Delivery will be online, using a rubric to score 1-2-page essays. No commenting needed. There is no monetary compensation; however, Megan will host an event to thank you and feed you some of Blacksburg’s finest cuisine. This also counts as service if you’re looking to build your CV. If you’re interested or have questions, email Dr. O’Neill directly: oneill@vt.edu.
13. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR GOOGLE GLASS STUDY – 2nd posting
Participants are sought for a study investigating the safety and health issues during order-picking using augmented reality technologies. Must be: 18-40 years old; no current or recent history (1 year) of physical disorder affecting shoulder, knee, lower back and ankle joints; no eyeglasses; exercise on a regular basis (2-3 times per week); must be able to lift up to 40 lbs. Participants will perform order-picking tasks (i.e., retrieving boxes from shelves, loading/unloading boxes onto/from a hand cart and maneuvering a hand cart) using a paper pick-list and a Google glass. During data collection, participants will be asked to wear a wearable motion capture system. The weight of boxes will range 10-40 lbs. Compensation: 1-1.5 hour session, at $10/hour. If interested, call(text) or email Sunwook Kim: 540-557-7763, sunwook@vt.edu.
Upcoming Events:
SHORT STAT COURSES FOR GRADS BY LISA – FALL 2014 SCHEDULE
LISA (Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis) 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 to learn more. Remaining Fall 2014 Schedule:
- Tuesday, Oct 14: SQL in R;
- Tuesday, Oct 21: Survey Design and Analysis;
- Tuesday, Oct 28: Introduction to R;
- Tuesday, Nov 4: Generalized Linear Models and Categorical Data Analysis in R;
- Tuesday, Nov 11: Graphics in R;
- Tuesday, Nov 18: A tutorial for shiny in R;
- Tuesday, Dec 2: Data Analysis in SAS;
LGBT CONNECT LUNCHEON
Tuesday, Oct 14, 12:00-1:00pm, GLC Room F
The Graduate School will host this LGBT connect luncheon; all students are welcome to attend. This event is free and food is provided. Please register at https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1408724146683. To learn more, visit https://graduateschool.vt.edu/connect_lunch or contact Dannette Gomez Beane at gomezds@vt.edu.
FALL CONNECTION JOB FAIR
Tuesday, Oct 14, 10:00am-4:00pm, Commonwealth Ballroom in Squires Student Center
Meet with employers who want to meet you! See list of employers attending at http://www.career.vt.edu/connection/employerlist.asp?E=1402 (Be sure to search by your department and by college. Some employers selected the college rather than choosing individual majors.)
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.
AMERICAN INDIAN HISTORY MONTH CONNECT LUNCH
Monday, Oct 20, 12:00-1:30pm, GLC Room D
The Graduate School invites all students to the American Indian Connect Lunch. Please RSVP here https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1408723245679. For more information visit www.graduateschool.vt.edu/connect_lunches, or contact Dannette Beane at gomezds@vt.edu.
DINING ETIQUETTE SEMINAR/MEAL – register now
Wednesday, Oct 22, 5:30-8:00pm, Owens Banquet Hall
Learn about dining etiquette and practice your skills! Registration is required. For more information visit http://career.vt.edu/DiningEtiquette/Fall-2014-EtiquetteDinner.png.
GHS PANELIST TRAINING
Thursday, Oct 23, 9:00am, GLC Room D
The Graduate Honor System is seeking student and faculty volunteers to serve as panelists. GHS panelists hear and decide on cases of academic and research integrity. Interested individuals need to attend a single one-hour training session and are then able to serve on panels as their schedule allows. If you have any questions, please contact graduate student and chief justice of the GHS Nathan Carter at ghs@vt.edu. If you are unable to attend this training, there will be one more offered on Nov 6.
WORKSHOP ON REPRODUCIBLE RESEARCH
Thursday, Oct 23, 3:00-5:00pm, Newman Library Multipurpose Room
The first part of this workshop will being with a discussion of the current reproducibility crisis in science, followed by a discussion of techniques, workflows, and tools (like R and Open Science Framework) that researchers can use to increase the reproducibility of their work. The target audience is graduate students, post-docs, and professors involved in quantitative research who are interested in learning more about reproducible practices. This event is available for NLI credit at www.nli.tlos.vt.edu.
GSA FALL WINE AND BEER SOCIAL
Friday, Oct 24, 5:00-9:00pm, University Club
The GSA invites you to its Fall wine and beer social for an evening of fun and socializing with fellow students. An assortment of beer, wine and hors d’oeuvres will be provided. Must be 21+ with a valid state ID to consume alcohol. General admission is $10 and delegates will be admitted for $5. Non-drinking guests are welcome for $2. Please contact Samantha Erwin at sherwin@vt.edu with questions.