October 13-19, 2014

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

  • Career services: Wednesdays, 2:30-5:00pm, 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. 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.

3. 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.)

4. DISCOVER ISLAM
Tuesday, Oct 14, 12:00-2:00pm, Information Booth A in front of Au Bon Pain in Squires
Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world with about 1.6 billion followers. Muslims come from almost every country in the world and speak almost every language.  Learn more about Islam from your Muslim colleagues: stop by, ask questions, get your free copy of Quran interpretation in English, view Islamic art from different countries, get your name in Arabic, and enjoy tasting Arabian dates. Contact person: Haitham Elmarakeby, marakeby@vt.edu. Hosted by Islamic Student Assembly (ISA).

5. 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 

6. 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.

7. GLC CAFÉ: FEATURING CUBE FARM TIRAMISU
Thursday, Oct 16, 3:30-5:00pm, GLC Reading Room
Take a break and enjoy coffee, tea, and cookies in the company of your graduate student and Grad School colleagues. If you are wondering what a Cube Farm Tiramisu might be, stop by to conduct an empirical experiment and you will find out. 

8. PRESIDENTIAL INSTALLATION OF TIMOTHY D. SANDS
Thursday-Saturday, Oct 16-18, various locations
The formal installation of a new president is a momentous occasion in the life of a university. To welcome President Timothy D. Sands into the community of Hokies, graduate students are invited to participate in special events commemorating his installation as the university¹s 16th president. Activities are planned for Hokies of all ages. Visit www.vt.edu/installation for a complete list. All events are free and open to the public, but please register to let organizers know you’ll be attending.

9. 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.

10. GLC MOVIE NIGHT: JURASSIC PARK
Thursday Oct 16, 7:00pm, GLC Student Lounge
The GLC Fellows are hosting another movie night and the winning film is Steven Spielberg’s 90s classic, Jurassic Park. Refreshments will be provided, but space is limited, so get there early.

11. STUDENT ENGAGEMENT TRAVEL GRANT – 1st posting
The Student Engagement Travel Grant supports student travel to a professional conference or a professional development opportunity that promotes the culture of Ut Prosim at VT and furthers the scholarship of engagement. Grants are awarded to students who have been accepted to present or attend a conference or professional meeting.  All full- or part-time students who meet these criteria are encouraged to apply.  For more information, please visit: http://www.engage.vt.edu/grants-awards/.

12. GUMP SEEKING MENTORS FROM ALL FIELDS – 1st posting
The Graduate–Undergraduate Mentorship Program (GUMP) is seeking mentors from all fields! This program allows graduate students to mentor undergraduate students considering graduate school. Undergraduates and graduates are matched according to their area of study, allowing the undergrad to get a taste for graduate school and to ask questions of current graduate students. Each graduate mentor will be matched with 1–2 mentees, who will shadow them at times convenient for the graduate mentor during the spring semester. Mentoring can help build leadership skills and provide an experience to discuss with future employers. Graduate students will coordinate mentoring activities independently with their undergraduate mentees. GUMP is sponsored by the Graduate Student Assembly (GSA). If you have any questions, contact gump@vt.edu. If interested, fill out the application at: https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1412170613150.

13. CALL FOR PARTICIPATION FOR DANCE OF NATIONS NOV 18 – 1st posting
Organized by Council of International Students Organization in collaboration with the Cranwell International Center, Dance of Nations is a celebration of cultural diversity at Virginia Tech. It promotes traditional, folk and cultural dances of VT’s international community and aims to represent various countries and cultures. Join the Dance of Nations to promote your culture; promote your organization; showcase your talents to a wide audience; meet new people. Fill out the online form at http://goo.gl/forms/cclZJdJViJ for auditions by Oct 20, 2014. For inquires email to farhady@vt.edu. 

14. 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/.

15. GSA TRAVEL FUND PROGRAM’S FALL APPLICATION CYCLE OCT 6-26 – 3rd 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.

16. PEO INTL PEACE SCHOLARSHIP FOR WOMEN – 3rd 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.

17. SUBMISSIONS ARE INVITED FOR GLC ART AND PHOTO CONTEST – deadline 10/19
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: Oct 19 for photos, Oct 21 for art. Learn more at http://www.graduatelifecenter.vt.edu/contest/.

18. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR ONLINE SURVEY ABOUT ACADEMIC INTEGRITY – 2nd 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.

19. VOLUNTERS SOUGHT TO REVIEW UGRAD ESSAYS ON VT COMMON BOOK -3rd 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.

20. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR GOOGLE GLASS STUDY – 3rd 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 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;

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.

GLC OPEN HOUSE 2014
Friday, Oct 24, 10:00am-3:00pm, Graduate Life Center
Stop by the GLC to view and vote on the latest installment of graduate student art and photography, see a show-and-tell of what graduate students are up to in their research, labs and other pursuits (featuring ice-cream making with liquid nitrogen, plant propagation, live animation and more), learn about the results of the graduate student climate survey, and enjoy free refreshments. For a full calendar of presentations visit: http://www.graduatelifecenter.vt.edu/openhouse2014.html.

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.

GLC HALLOWEEN CARNIVAL
Thursday, Oct 30, 5:30-7:30pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
Enjoy a  family-friendly night of music, candy, and games at this Halloween event sponsored by the GLC Fellows. The event will showcase student organizations and clubs from Virginia Tech with classic holiday-themed games as well as a costume contest!  Please fill out the following survey to help organizers in planning for this event: https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1412121164046.