November 3-10, 2014

1.  WEEKLY WALK-IN SERVICES IN THE GLC – updated 11/3

  • Career services: Wednesdays, 2:30-5:00pm, GLC Lobby
  • Counseling by Cook: Thursdays and Fridays, 1:00-5:00pm, Green Room except on 11/7
  • 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. GRADUATION 101 WEBINAR: REMOVING THE MYSTERY OF THE ETD REVIEW
Monday, Nov 3, 1:00-2:00pm, online
Learn what the Graduate School is looking for during the ETD review, which is one of the final steps before graduation. Webinar participants will need a computer with Internet access, microphone and speakers to fully participate. Online link:  https://virginiatech.webex.com/virginiatech/j.php?ED=293561812&UID=508438147&RT=MiMxMQ%3D%3D. For assistance, contact Marija Telbis-Forster at mtelbisf@vt.edu.

3. BLACK MASTER’S/PHD 101 PANEL
Tuesday, Nov 4, GLC Room G
Moderated by doctoral student Nicole Johnson, this panel will discuss successful tips and strategies for accomplishing your professional and academic goals and address how to navigate perceptions of the underprivileged racial and sexual orientation groups, along with developing coping skills and strategies to deal with oppressive conditions in the classroom and professional settings. Come prepared with questions to engage the esteemed panelists and moderator, Panelists: 1. Russell Jones, https://www.psyc.vt.edu/users/rtjones;  2. Brandy Faulkner http://www.psci.vt.edu/people/faulkner-bio.html; 3. Wayne Scales http://www.ece.vt.edu/faculty/scales.php; 4. Denise Simmons http://www.cee.vt.edu/people/densimm.html.

4. TWEET CHAT ON CRISIS CARAVAN: WHAT’S WRONG WITH HUMANITARIAN AID?
Monday, Nov 3, 6:00-7:00pm, #CrisisCaravan
Join author Linda Polman and VT grad students on Twitter for a discussion of international development paradigms. This Tweet Chat will focus on current international development issues and themes from Linda Polman’s New York Times best seller, The Crisis Caravan, which chronicles many of Linda’s exploits as a journalist of foreign aid missions, analyzing outcomes, challenging assumptions, and asking hard ethical questions along the way. Read the first two chapters at: http://faspejournalism.wikischolars.columbia.edu/file/view/May+26_Polman_The+Crisis+Caravan.pdf  Enter the Tweet Chat by using the hashtag #CrisisCaravan. Linda Polman’s Twitter handle: @linda_polman. The Chat will be facilitated by graduate students in VT’s International Development Policy & Planning class. Email grad student Lorien MacAuley (lorien@vt.edu, Twitter handle: @lorienbird) with any questions.

5. GLC CAFÉ
Thursday, Nov 6, 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.

6. GHS PANELIST TRAINING
Thursday, Nov 6, 4:00pm, 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. Please contact me if you have any questions.

7. SOCIAL FOR OVER-30 GRADUATE STUDENTS
Thursday, Nov 6, 4:00-6:00pm, University Club
Due to popular demand, the Graduate School is hosting a graduate-students-over-30 social. The recent climate survey indicated that this group wanted to connect more frequently, so this is your opportunity to meet others and sign up for future programming for this group. Please complete this short survey if you are interested in attending: https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1414182319907. Contact Dannette Gomez Beane with question dannette@vt.edu.

8. 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.

9. ABSTRACT SUBMISSIONS INVITED FOR GSA RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM – 1st posting
The 31st Annual Graduate Student Assembly (GSA) Research Symposium will be on Mar 25, 2015 in the Graduate Life Center (GLC). Graduate and advanced undergraduate students are invited to submit an abstract between Nov 1-30. Visit the Research Symposium website at http://blogs.lt.vt.edu/graduatestudentassembly/graduate-research-symposium/ for details and to submit an abstract. Read all information and resources for tailoring your abstract to this event in order to communicate your research to a broad audience (Resources for Communicating Research at https://blogs.lt.vt.edu/graduatestudentassembly/graduate-research-symposium/resources-on-interdisciplinary-communication). Check out the GSA’s other programs and events while you’re there! Questions? Contact the Research Symposium Chairs (Alex Hyler and Joyce Zhu) at gsa.syposium.2015@gmail.com.

10. DONATIONS REQUESTED FOR LITTLE HOKIES DONATE & SWAP
Donations of gently used infant-, baby- and small-child items (clothing, toys, accessories) are requested for this event. Drop off items you no longer want/need for your child so that others may use them! Donations are being accepted November 1-18 at the GLC front desk or in Women’s Center. Contact Dannette with questions dannette@vt.edu.

11. JOIN THE GRADUATE SCHOOL ON LINKED IN – 2nd posting
LinkedIn has created a university page for the Virginia Tech Graduate School in addition to the page for Virginia Tech. Students who use LinkedIn can connect with the Graduate-School page either by choosing to follow it, or by adding the Graduate School to the schools they list in the education section of their profiles. The Graduate School LinkedIn page is at: http://linkd.in/1oRh5Mw.

12. GSA RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM – 3rd posting
Do you have an awesome research idea that deserves funding?  Apply to the GSA’s Graduate Research Development Program, which provides monetary support for graduate student research twice a year. The fall cycle applications may be submitted from Oct 27 to Nov 14, with winners announced in early December. Get more information and apply online through the GSA website: https://blogs.lt.vt.edu/graduatestudentassembly/graduate-research-development-program/.

13. PART-TIME WAGE POSITION FOR GRAD STUDENT OR SPOUSE – 1st posting
The Senior Program Director (Posting SW0140781) of the VT Graduate School Child Play Group (VT-GS-CPG) will oversee the daily operations of the program, a parent-run cooperative playgroup for children (ages 2-5) with a paid on-site program director. The program will operate three group sessions (3 hrs ea) per day with each group consisting of 15 children. The Program Director works collaboratively with the Childcare Coordinator, Program Session Leaders, and student-parent volunteers to support the mission of the program as well as facilitate daily programming and activities. Experience in early childhood and cooperative childcare programs; admin experience, preferably in an early child hood setting; demonstrated ability to teach effectively and build relationships in a learning community. Go to hr.vt.edu for full job description or to apply.

14. WAGE POSITION OPENING IN GLC – 2nd posting
GLC Operations Specialists work closely with Building Managers for Student Centers and Activities as well as the Graduate School to provide services to the patrons who use the GLC, Squires and Johnston Student Center. The primary role for this position will be table/chair setup in the GLC Multipurpose and venues in Squires Student Center. In addition, this position will be responsible for light custodial work and other various projects in the GLC. Seeking individuals who are able to provide excellent customer service, are adaptable, possess a strong work ethic and are able to lift and move up to 25 pounds. Hiring for shifts starting immediately at a rate of $8.50/hour. Apply online at: https://listings.jobs.vt.edu/postings/52729. Contact Eric Margiotta at Margiotta@vt.edu with questions.

15. GLOBAL AMBASSADORS SOUGHT BY CRANWELL INTL CTR – 2nd posting
The Global Ambassadors program is an exciting and engaging leadership development opportunity designed for current VT students seeking to develop their global leadership skills. Global Ambassadors are charged with welcoming new international students to the Virginia Tech community in 2015-2016 and continuing meaningful interactions with students and the community throughout the academic year. Returning study abroad students, students who have a strong interest in learning about the world, and currently enrolled international students are especially encouraged to apply for this rewarding volunteer opportunity. Learn more about the program at http://www.international.vt.edu/programs_and_activities/global_ambassadors/index.html  or attend an optional interest meeting hosted at Cranwell International Center, Harper Hall 1025 on Tuesday, Nov 4, 12-12:30pm. Apply online by Nov 11, 5:00pm at https://gobblerconnect.vt.edu/account/logonrequired?ReturnUrl=%2Fform%2Fstart%2F32257.

16. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR ONLINE SURVEY ABOUT REAL-LIFE TO-DO TASKS – 2nd posting
A doctoral student is conducting research to collect data on how people organize and remember their to-do tasks. For example, how do you remember to buy a ticket for an upcoming event? Do you rely on your memory or a to-do list? If you have 5-10 minutes, please complete quick online survey. Participants are asked to provide 3-5 real to-do tasks that they intend to do in the future. These can be any tasks related to work, life or school. The data collected will be used for publication only. To participate, visit: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_6XYkZ1n2NVK6KEd. This study has been approved by IRB # 14-963. If you have any questions, contact Yao Wang at yxw5167@vt.edu.

17. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR NEUROIMAGINING STUDY – 3rd posting
Participants are sought for a study designed to better understand how the brain works when trying to determine what emotion another person is showing with their facial expression. Participation involves in-lab appointment sessions, which include a brain-scan (fMRI) and an electroencephalogram (EEG). Participants will be compensated up to $75.00. Eligibility: must be male, 18-28 years of age; able to undergo MRI; have no known genetic, medical, psychiatric, or neurological conditions. For more information and to determine eligibility, contact the Child Study Center at (540)231-8276 or at childstudycenter@gmail.com.

Upcoming Events:

DISSERTATION WRITING SUPPORT GROUP
Tuesday, Nov 11, 12:00-1:30pm, GLC Room D
Do you need some support with staying on track with your writing? Could you use some advice on managing your relationship with your advisor/committee? Would you share some of your experiences with fellow grad students who are going through the same process? Do you need a safe place to decompress from the stress of your dissertation? Join the kick-off meeting for a newly forming dissertation support group and see how it may support your progress. Free lunch provided. Please complete this survey to let us know about your interest in joining this group: https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1415018476458.

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, Nov 11: Graphics in R;
  • Tuesday, Nov 18: A tutorial for shiny in R;
  • Tuesday, Dec 2: Data Analysis in SAS;

QUEERING THE WAY: A NIGHT OF LGBTQ ONE-ACT PLAYS
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Nov 10, 11, 12, 7:30pm, 204 Performing Arts Bldg
Eight Actors perform six different LGBTQ stories about family, self-acceptance, childhood, and new beginnings. Queering the Way brings you into an art gallery, church, a mother’s kitchen, Nicaraguan community, second grade school yard to create a picture of many different LGBTQ lives. Limited Seating; For Reservations Email: QTWTICKETS@GMAIL.COM. Posted on behalf of theatre arts graduate student Kristin Kelly.

LITTLE HOKIES DONATE AND SWAP
Tuesday, November 18, 3:00 – 7:00pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
Give what you can/Take what you need: graduate students with children (or expecting) are encouraged to participate in a free event to support students with families. Bags will be provided at the entrance and students and their families will be invited to fill their bags with as many items as they may need. Donations are being accepted November 1-18 at the GLC front desk or Women’s Center. Contact Dannette with questions dannette@vt.edu.