February 2-8, 2015

1.  WEEKLY WALK-IN SERVICES IN THE GLC – updated 1/26

  • Career Services advising: Wednesdays 2:00-5:00pm, GLC lobby
  • Cook Counseling: Thursdays and Fridays 1:00-5:00pm, Green Room 
  • GLC Café: 3:30-5:00 every Thursday, Reading Room
  • Statistical consulting by LISA: Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays 10:00am-12:00pm, Room A
  • Writing assistance: Thursdays starting Jan 29 5:00-8:00pm, Room A

2. ACA INFO SESSIONS – HOW TO AVOID TAX PENALTIES AND GET HEALTH INSURANCE
Tuesday, Feb 3, 12:00-1:00pm and 5:00-6:00pm, Room D
Attend one of the sessions to learn about your potential eligibility for financial assistance on monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs associated with health insurance obtained through the Health Insurance Marketplace. Find a health plan that suits your budget and meets your needs.

3. HOW TO MAKE ENDS MEET
Tuesday, Feb 3, 5:00pm, GLC Room C
Learn creative ways to live within a meager budget using money-saving strategies specific to the New River Valley. Sponsored by Graduate Student Services, grads@vt.edu.

4. NUSPARK BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
Tuesday, Feb 3, 5:30pm, Turner Place
NuSpark, the innovation-, entrepreneurial- and incubation space available to all students and faculty of Virginia Tech, is celebrating its success.  After a year of success, it’s time to celebrate! Join NuSpark for an evening of snacks, networking, hearing from the teams, and even a Twitter challenge with prizes! Please sign up at https://www.facebook.com/events/1525903384341348/. This message is posted on behalf of graduate student Scott Walker, scott18w@vt.edu.

5. DISCOVER ISLAM
Wednesday, Feb 4, 12:00-2:00pm, Info Booth A in front of ABP 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. Sponsored by the Islamic Student Assembly. For more information contact grad student Haitham, at marakeby@vt.edu.

6. INTERVARSITY GRADUATE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
Wednesdays, 7:00-8:30pm, GLC Room G
Meet weekly for a free dinner and interactive Bible discussion. This semester the group is exploring the core of Jesus’ teachings from the Sermon on the Mount. All are welcome! For more info visit http://gcfvt.wordpress.com.

7. GLC CAFÉ
Thursday, Feb 5, 3:30-5:00pm, GLC Reading Room
Enjoy coffee, tea, and cookies in the company of your graduate student and Grad School colleagues. Relax, explore big and small ideas, and build your network of colleagues and friends.

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 when classes are in session. For more information, contact Jessie Meltsner at jmelts@vt.edu, 231-7806.

9. PRACTICING NONVIOLENCE: HOW CAN WE LOVE OUR ENEMIES?
Friday, Feb 6, 12:15-1:10pm, GLC Room D
This open dialogue and Bible discussion is the second of a three-week series called Continuing a Conversation on Race. All are welcome to bring a lunch and join the discussion. Sponsored by InterVarsity Graduate Christian Fellowship.

10. WELCOME SOCIAL
Friday, Feb 6, 5:00-7:00pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
Enjoy food, games and great conversation at this welcome social sponsored by the GLC Fellows.  Open to all graduate students and their families. Sign-up here: https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1421094623494.

11. INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH HONOR SOCIETY RECRUITING NEW MEMBERS – 1st posting
Iota Delta Rho, the graduate Interdisciplinary Research Honor Society will accept applications for membership through Friday, Feb 27, 2015. IDR was founded at Virginia Tech in 2011 by graduate students promoting interdisciplinary cooperation and research. There are two levels of membership – Full and Associate, and both graduate and undergraduate members are accepted. Membership application, requirements for membership, and information about the society can be found at http://www.idrsociety.org/membership/application/. Questions about memberships, application, or other matters should be directed to VP of Membership, Jie Ren, at jren4@vt.edu.

12. CALL FOR ABSTRACTS FOR INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH DAY POSTER SESSION – 2nd posting
The Interdisciplinary Research Honor Society (IDR) invites abstract submissions for the poster session during the annual Interdisciplinary Research Day, to be held at The Inn at Virginia Tech on Febr 26, 2015. Abstracts showing an integration of interdisciplinary research are welcome in all categories. If your research integrates work from different disciplines, consider sharing your work! Cash awards presented to winners. Submission deadline is Jan 30, 2015. Instructions and submission form are at: https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1386293281414. Contact Rachael Kennedy (kennedy3@vt.edu) or Souvick Chatterjee (souvick8@vt.edu) with questions.

13. WALK-IN STATISTICAL CONSULTING BY LISA, SPRING 2015 SCHEDULE
Available Jan 20-May 6, closed during spring break (Mar 9-13). A statistical consultant is available Monday through Friday when classes are in session to answer your quick questions or to help with research projects requiring less than 30 minutes of assistance. For more in-depth questions or longer projects, complete the LISA request form and a team of statistical collaborators will be assigned to work with you. Note: LISA does not assist with class projects or homework. Schedule and locations:

  • Mon-Fri 1-3 pm, Room 103 Old Security Building (OSB)
  • Mondays 3-5 pm, Port:Digital Research Commons (Torgersen Bridge)
  • Wednesdays 10am-12pm, 403-J Hutcheson Hall (LISA Meeting Room)
  • Tuesday, Thursday, & Friday, 10am-12 pm in GLC Meeting Room A

For more information visit http://www.lisa.stat.vt.edu/.

14. ACROSSBORDERS@VT INVITES INTL LGBTQ STUDENTS – 3rd posting
Do you identify yourself as international and LGBTQ? Do you need a safe space to talk about issues related to being international and identifying as LGBTQ? AcrossBorders@VT is an informal group that addresses the needs and concerns of international LGBTQ people at Virginia Tech. Privacy and confidentiality of members is encouraged. If you are interested or have questions, please contact acrossborders.vt@gmail.com. In addition, email to join the closed Facebook group to connect with other international LGBTQ people.

15. STUDENT ENGAGEMENT TRAVEL GRANT – 3rd posting
This 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.  The 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/.

16. GSA RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM ABSTRACT SUBMISSION RE-OPEN JAN 26-Feb 6
The 31st Annual Graduate Student Assembly (GSA) Research Symposium will take place on Mar 25, 2015 in the Graduate Life Center. Graduate and advanced undergraduate students are invited to submit an abstract for this event between 12:01am Jan 26 and 11:59pm Feb 6. 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 see resources available for tailoring your abstract to this event in order to communicate your research to a broad audience (Resources for Communicating Research). If you submitted in the fall and did not receive a confirmation email that your abstract was accepted or rejected, please contact us. Contact the Research Symposium Chairs (Alex Hyler and Joyce Zhu) at atgsa.syposium.2015@gmail.com with any questions.

17. CALL FOR APPLICATIONS FOR GRADUATE STUDENT REP TO BOARD OF VISITORS – deadline Feb 13
Applications for Graduate Student Representative to the VT Board of Visitors are accepted until Feb 13, 2015. All currently enrolled graduate students in good standing are encouraged to consider this great leadership and service opportunity to represent graduate students’ voices, needs and interest on the VT Board of Visitors. Learn more at http://www.dsa.vt.edu/BOV/apply.php.

18. NOMINATIONS FOR GRADUATE STUDENT AWARDS NOW OPEN – deadline Feb 6
A number of prestigious awards are granted to graduate students each year, carrying a monetary prize ($200-$1000 each) and award certificate. Discuss the possibility of your nomination by your advisor/department for any of the following awards that will be given out during the Graduate School’s annual awards banquet on March 26, 2015:

  • Outstanding Dissertation in (1) math, sciences and engineering, and (1) in social sciences, business and humanities
  • Preston Society Master’s Thesis Award
  • Graduate Student Teaching Excellence (1) for GTA instructor of record (1) GTA instructor assistant
  • Graduate Student Service Excellence
  • Graduate Student of the Year (up to three awards given)
  • Outstanding master’s and doctoral student in each college and in interdisciplinary programs.

    More information about criteria, forms, and process for nomination are at: http://graduateschool.vt.edu/academics/awards/2014_2015.

19. GA OPENING FOR 2015-16 – 1st posting
This position supports the Director of Alumni Relations for Diversity, Inclusion and Community Engagement within the VT Alumni Association. The GA will be responsible for: planning and implementing alumni events; communicating professionally with alumni and other stakeholders;  supervising volunteers; managing office tasks; assisting with long-term projects such as event-data collection, social media management, and basic website maintenance. Applicants must be: enrolled full time in a master’s or doctoral program at VT; proficient in Microsoft Office programs; available to work 20 office hours/wk, mornings and afternoons with some evening and weekend hours during events; able to work independently. Strong organization and event/project management skills and excellent written and oral communication skills are a must. Familiarity with web content management systems (CMS) is preferred, but not required. To apply, submit resume and three references to Erin Gloeckner at Egloeck@vt.edu, AND complete this brief application: https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1422377266995.

20. GSA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR POSITION (FT GA) OPEN – 2nd posting
The Graduate Student Assembly (GSA) is seeking applicants for the Executive Director position, to begin during the spring 2015 semester. This is a 20 hr/wk graduate assistantship starting in spring, with preference to continue in 2015-2016 if all parties agree at the end of spring semester. Primary duties include, but are not limited to: planning the Graduate and Professional School Fair, working with the Director of Programs to plan events, assisting with GSA’s funding programs, coordinating the hire of program chairs, maintaining the GSA office, and helping the GSA Board as needed. If you are interested, please e-mail your resume and a letter of interest to Jenn Gooding at jgooding@vt.edu by Tue, Feb 10.

21. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR CAMPUS REPORTING SURVEY – 1st posting
Researchers in the VT Department of Psychology and the Veterans Affairs Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center are recruiting participants for the “Campus Reporting Survey.” All VT faculty and staff members, including graduate teaching assistants (GTAs), are invited to complete an on-line survey about thoughts on reporting of campus incidents. Graduate students who are not currently teaching classes are not eligible for the study. The survey will be open until May 6, the last day of classes. The IRB-approved survey is estimated to take 10-15 minutes to complete, and all data will be anonymous. To complete the survey, go to https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/CampusReporting_Faculty. If you have any questions, contact Jonathan Waldron at jwaldron22@vt.edu.

22. TEENS SOUGHT FOR SOCIAL ANXIETY RESEARCH PROJECT – 1st posting
Teens 12-16 of age are sought for a social anxiety research project to help with angst caused by meeting new people, public speaking, eating out in public, attending social functions, etc. This program is free, and parents and children each receive $25 per assessment, up to $100. For more information call 231-8276, or email Dr. Thomas Ollendick at tho@vt.edu. This message is posted on behalf of grad student Marlene Strege, mstrege@vt.edu.

23. FAMILIES AND CHILDREN SOUGHT FOR MINDFULNESS STUDY – 2nd posting
VT researchers are looking for families with children ages 7-10 to participate in a study on physiological responses to parent and child interaction. This study involves a 45-min visit to the VT Autism Clinic. You will be asked to complete questionnaires and then participate in an activity with your child. Researchers will collect physiological information from mothers only. Participating children will receive a small toy and parents will be entered in a raffle for three $50 gift cards as compensation. If interested in learning more, contact vtinteractionstudy@gmail.com or call (540) 231-2053.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

GROCERY BINGO
Monday, Feb 9, 5:30pm, GLC Room G
Compete against other graduate students in Bingo for a chance to win free grocery items. Sign-up for grocery bingo here: https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1421075268437.

LUNCH WITH THE DEAN
Tuesday, Feb 10, 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 in a casual, intimate setting. Registration is required – please sign up at https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1420563265942 if you are interested in attending.

SHORT STATS COURSES FOR GRADS – SPRING 2015 SCHEDULE
LISA (Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis) provides a series of evening short courses to help graduate students use statistics in their research, focusing on practical statistical techniques for analyzing or collecting data. Registration will be available soon. Tentative Spring 2015 schedule:

  • Monday & Tuesday, February 16 & 17: Basics of R;
  • Monday & Tuesday, February 23 & 24: Graphics in R;
  • Tuesday, March 3: Multivariate Statistics in R;
  • Tuesday, March 17: Design of Experiments;
  • Monday & Tuesday, March 23 & 24: GGplot in R;
  • Tuesday, April 7: T-tests, Regression, ANOVA;
  • Tuesday, April 14: Violations in Assumptions;

Follow LISA on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/Statistical.collaboration or Twitter http://www.twitter.com/LISA_VT to be the first to know about LISA events. For more information, visit http://www.lisa.stat.vt.edu.