1. WEEKLY WALK-IN SERVICES IN THE GLC
- 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. DISCOVER ISLAM
Wednesday, Feb 18, 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. Hosted by the Islamic Student Assembly. For more information contact grad student Haitham, at marakeby@vt.edu.
3. PARENT SUPPORT GROUP MEETING MONTHLY
Wednesday, Feb 18, 12:00-1:30pm, GLC Room C
The Parent Support Group is an opportunity for graduate students and their partners who have or are expecting children, designed to provide a place to connect and build community. The group will be meeting this Wednesday in the GLC. Lunch will be served and partners and children are welcome! Contact Andrea with questions at aswenson@vt.edu.
4. ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING GRAND CHALLENGE INTEREST MEETING
Wednesday, Feb 18, 5:00pm, Goodwin 190
Grad student Joseph Kubalak (josephk7@vt.edu) invites you to participate in this opportunity for all Virginia Tech students to design, build, program, and pilot your own 3D printed vehicle. $15K in cash prizes; functional vehicles are guaranteed a cash award. Attend the info session/interest meeting and visit http://www.dreams.me.vt.edu/AMGrandChallenge to learn more.
5. GLC MOVIE NIGHT
Wednesday, Feb 18, 7:00pm, Room F in the GLC
The GLC Fellows invite you to a screening of Silver Linings Playbook. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided. Sponsored by the GLC Fellows.
6. GLC CAFÉ
Thursday, Feb 19, 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.
7. INTERNATIONAL TAX WORKSHOP
Thursday, Feb 19, 5:00-8:00pm, 1670 Litton Reeves
Learn about the ins and outs of how to file your taxes and get your questions answered. All foreign nationals in F or J non-immigrant status must complete a US tax return. Forms W-2 and 1042-S prepared by Virginia Tech can be accessed through HokieSpa, if you received compensation from either a job (i.e. wage position; GRA; GTA) or a fellowship payment paid as a stipend through payroll. The Cranwell Center purchased the international tax return software to help foreign nationals in a non-resident tax status. There is a nominal charge for password set-up, but the software can be accessed from any computer with internet access. Complete the Tax Form Questionnaire to request an access code to the software. Allow three business days for processing.
8. PEACE CORPS GENERAL INFO MEETING
Thursday, Feb 19, 6:30-7:30pm, GLC Room C
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 in need, 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. All are welcome to attend this general information session to learn about opportunities and our new application process. One to one meeting can be arranged for after the GIM. Please contact peacecorps@vt.edu.
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 when classes are in session. For more information, contact Jessie Meltsner at jmelts@vt.edu, 231-7806.
10. CALL FOR MEMBERSHIP TO ACADEMY OF GTA EXCELLENCE – 1st posting
The Academy for GTA Excellence (Academy) invites applications for membership in the Learning Community and advancement into the Academy. The Academy provides opportunities for graduate students to receive advanced education and training in innovative teaching and learning strategies. It also provides a space to recognize excellence in teaching by graduate students. A social and information session will be held on Tuesday, Feb 24, 5:00-7:00pm at the University Club for interested graduate students. Membership is open to graduate students at all VT campuses. For additional information and application: https://blogs.lt.vt.edu/jwrgrad/academy-for-advanced-teaching-and-transforming-learning-aattl/. Applications are due Monday, March 16, 2015. For questions about the Academy, contact Vice President and Dean for Graduate Education Karen P. DePauw (kpdwpauw@vt.edu) or Nicole J. Johnson (nicj712@vt.edu).
11. PHOTO CONTEST
The Graduate School invites submissions of art work and photography by graduate students for display in the GLC during Graduate Education Week (Mar 23-27) and beyond. Submissions are limited to three pieces (art and/or photography) per graduate student. Photos may be submitted online at https://secure.graduateschool.vt.edu/imageupload/ to be printed by the Graduate School. Submission deadline: Tuesday, Mar 17, 2015. Learn more at http://www.graduatelifecenter.vt.edu/contest/.
12. CALLING ALL GRADUATE STUDENT ENTERTAINERS – 1st posting
The Graduate School is seeking students to provide entertainment during the Graduate Education Week Big Cook-out on Friday, March 27. The circus-themed cook-out will run from 4:30-6:30pm on the Graduate School Lawn. Entertainers needed include face painters, balloon artists, caricature artists, jugglers, or anything that may fit into our theme. To join our slate of performers, please complete this survey: https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1422907809572 Contact Lauren Surface at lkeister@vt.edu if you have questions.
13. INVITATION TO SMALL-GROUP DISCUSSION ABOUT DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION – 2nd posting
Are you new to the conversation about diversity and inclusion? Would you like a safe, supportive space to speak openly and honestly about your perceptions and experiences, or perhaps to ask questions? The Graduate School will host small group sessions where graduate students can talk without fear of making a mistake or being judged. The groups will meet for 8 hours (in total) and will be led by a trained facilitator. If interested, please sign up at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_bgrufAeSqIEcCiN. Contact Dannette Beane at dannette@vt.edu with questions.
14. APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED FOR SUMMER ’15 COHORT OF I-CORPS – 2nd posting
This NSF-supported program is accepting applications for its summer cohort at Virginia Tech. Open to research teams, including graduate students, and technology entrepreneurs from universities, federal laboratories, agencies and the general community, to guide researchers in exploring the commercial potential of their inventions. Opening session May 28-29, midpoint session Jun 17, closing session Jul 1, all at VT; remote webex sessions Jun 3, 10, 24. Learn more at www.dcicorps.org, or contact Mike Abbott at flyinghk@vt.edu for more information.
15. VIRGINIA GOVERNOR’S FELLOWS PROGRAM – apply by Mar 1, 2015.
For rising seniors, just graduated seniors and graduate students interested in learning more about the administration of state government. Full information at https://governor.virginia.gov/the-administration/governors-fellows-program/ A stipend is available through Career Services for any selected VT students. Contact Amy McPherson at amcphers@vt.edu for more information about the stipend.
16. INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH HONOR SOCIETY RECRUITING NEW MEMBERS – 3rd 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.
17. GA OPENING IN OFFICE OF ENERGY AND SUSTAINABILITY FOR 2015-16
Applicants must have a passion for the environment and sustainability planning; be enrolled in a sustainability‐related program at VT; be available to serve at least two years (or longer) as the GA for OES. Also must have previous work experience and/or extracurricular activities experience in fields relating to sustainability. Preferred: undergrad degree in sustainability‐related program; leadership experience in field; served as a sustainability intern. This is a 9-m, 20-hrs/wk position and the student must be available to serve at least two years (or longer) as the GA. For more details about the position and the application process visit http://www.facilities.vt.edu/sustainability/. To apply, send cover letter, resume and answers to the essay questions to sustainability@vt.edu, with the subject line “Graduate Assistant Application” by 5:00 PM on Friday, Feb 20, 2015.
18. ADMIN GRADUATE FELLOW OPENING IN HONORS RESIDENTIAL COLLEGE – 2nd posting
The Admin Graduate Fellow serves the intellectual life and educational mission of the Honors Residential College (HRC) and University Honors. The Fellow will take an active part in the HRC and work closely with the Faculty Principal, maintaining a collegial working relationship with the Student Life Coordinator, student leadership, and University Honors staff. The Fellow will reside in East Ambler Johnston Hall, modeling presence; actively participate in the life of the HRC, including weekly dinner, Principal’s Tea, and other official College events; work 20 hrs/wk supervised by the HRC Principal. This work includes: organizational duties related to community events; administration of the College curriculum; coordination and leadership of the Apartment Fellowship and publicity for the mission of the HRC and official College events; organization and execution of programming for HRC Fellows; mentoring of Junior Fellows; and other duties as assigned by the HRC Faculty Principal. Compensation: housing and a meal plan (approximately $14,500 provided by HRL and University Honors); meals during training periods (fall and winter); in-state tuition scholarship; Grad Fellow may not accept any additional employment or major co-curricular involvement (such as a partial assistantship) without prior approval of the Faculty Principal. To apply, submit a single PDF document that includes a cover letter and resumé or curriculum vitae. All submissions and inquiries should go to HRCprincipal@VT.Edu.
19. PAID TOUR GUIDES SOUGHT FOR GRADUATE SCHOOL – 2nd posting
The Graduate School is seeking tour guides to assist on an as-needed basis throughout the year. You will need to dedicate 2 hours to training and then be eligible for $20 per tour. You must be at least in your second year at Virginia Tech and be a Blacksburg campus student. Must have a strong command of English, a driver’s license, and clean driving record. Please contact Nayesdi Badillo-Delgado, if you are interested or have questions, at nayesdi@vt.edu.
20. GA OPENING FOR 2015-16 – 3rd 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.
21. RESEARCH PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR AMBIENT DISPLAYS/TASK MANAGEMENT STUDY – 1st posting
Participants are sought for a 2-m long research study to observe the use of ambient displays for personal task management information. This study involves the use of an iPad to showcase your Google Calendar events and to-do list activities in an interactive visualization for your use. Over the course of the 8-week study, you will be asked to participate in surveys and interviews to allow researchers to learn about your use of our ambient display system. Upon completion of the study, an interview will take place and iPads will need to be returned. During the study, you will participate in 3 surveys and 1 interview per week, for a total of 24 surveys and 8 interviews. Upon completion of the 8-week period, you will have the option to extend your participation in the study to up to 4 more weeks. Participation is voluntary; you may discontinue participation at any time. Information collected in all phases of the study will be confidential. If you are interested, email sheriff1@vt.edu to schedule an initial 1-hour meeting about the project, participation, consenting, and iPad distribution. Contact Sheriff Jolaoso at sheriff1@vt.edu with questions.
22. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR STUDY ON SKELETAL MUSCLE A – 1st posting
Volunteers are sought for a study examining whether endurance training influences skeletal muscle. Participants must be: non-smoker males; 18-40 yrs old; sedentary, not exercising more than 20 minutes per day, 2 days per week; not currently taking any medications; without any major medical problems; willing to eat a high fat meal; willing to have your blood drawn, a muscle biopsy, and a fitness test. Participants will receive extensive health information and will be compensated $50 per biopsy. The total amount possible for participation is $100. If you meet the above requirements and are interested, contact Madlyn Frisard or Mike Tarpey at the Human Integrative Physiology Laboratory at Virginia Tech: (540) 231-9994, frisardm@vt.edu or tarpeym@vt.edu.
23. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR STUDY ON SKELETAL MUSCLE B – 1st posting
Volunteers are sought for a study examining whether endurance training influences skeletal muscle. Participants must be: non-smoker males; 18-40 yrs old; run an average of 5 hours per week and compete in 2 events in the past 12 months; not currently taking any medications; without any major medical problems; willing to eat a high fat meal; willing to have your blood drawn, a muscle biopsy, and a fitness test. Participants will receive extensive health information and will be compensated $50 per biopsy. The total amount possible for participation is $100. If you meet the above requirements and are interested, contact Madlyn Frisard or Mike Tarpey at the Human Integrative Physiology Laboratory at Virginia Tech: (540) 231-9994, frisardm@vt.edu or tarpeym@vt.edu.
24. RESEARCH PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT ABOUT SOCIAL NETWORKING USAGE – 1st posting
A VT grad student researcher studying Computer Supported Cooperative Work (CSCW) would like your brief feedback on social networking about Facebook for a class project and personal study. No information will be shared for research or publication purposes. There is no compensation being offered. If you are interested in participating or have any questions, contact Chris Frisina at special@vt.edu.
25. SURVEY PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT – 1st posting
The Pamplin College of Business is conducting a survey on the start-up culture at Virginia Tech. Help the college better target entrepreneurship resources and funding at Virginia Tech by completing this survey: https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1423773704744. This message is posted on behalf of graduate student Keith Heyde, kcheyde@gmail.com.
26. ADOLESCENTS (AGE 11-14) SOUGHT FOR PEER RELATIONS STUDY – 2nd posting
This study utilizes techniques from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to assist adolescents (ages 11-14) who are dealing with problems related to rejection by peers. Participants will complete a series of psychological measures and five weekly intervention sessions, with some brief opportunities for at-home practice. There is slight risk to participating, given the sensitive nature of the subject matter and the time commitment. However, participants will be compensated for their time and participation and will also benefit by learning new coping skills. Graduate students who have children who meet these qualifications are invited to contact Amanda Halliburton at ahallibu@vt.edu or (757) 409-0062 if interested in enrolling a child in the study. Written parental permission is required for participation.
27. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR CAMPUS REPORTING SURVEY – 3rd 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.
28. TEENS SOUGHT FOR SOCIAL ANXIETY RESEARCH PROJECT – 3rd 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.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
CONNECTIONS JOB FAIR
Tuesday, Feb 24, 10:00am-4:00pm, Squires Student Center
Open to all majors and degree levels. More details, list of attending employers and candidates they’re seeking can be found at: http://www.career.vt.edu/CONNECTION/SpringStudentIndex.html. Sponsored by Career Services.
SAM SHEPARD’S FOOL FOR LOVE
Feb 24-28 and Mar 2-4, 7:30pm, Squires Studio Theatre
Donna Thompson, graduate student in the MFA program, invites all graduate students to the School of Performing Arts’ next Mainstage production. Check out the good work of grad students in the theatre arts program! Tickets are on sale now. For group sales contact the office at 231-5200 or email to performingarts@vt.edu.
OVER-30 GRADS PLANNING MEETING
Tuesday, Feb 24, 4-5:30pm, GLC Room F
The Graduate School hosts this planning meeting for the Over-30 grad student group, as a follow-up to the fall social. Please attend to give feedback and learn about the efforts to network and organize with other over-30 students. Snacks provided. Contact Dannette Beane with questions at dannette@vt.edu.
FREE ANXIETY AND OCD SUPPORT GROUP
Tuesday, February 24, 7:00pm, GLC Meeting Room D
Are you feeling overwhelmed by anxiety? Do you struggle with OCD? A free monthly support group meets the last Tuesday of every month. Please join the group at the Graduate Life Center in Meeting Room D to learn more about anxiety disorders and OCD, hear success stories from those who have worked to overcome their anxiety and OCD, and receive support in an informal setting. Family members and significant others are also welcome. If you have questions or would like more information, please contact the Psychological Services Center at 231-6914, visit http://www.psyc.vt.edu/outreach/psc , or email Kelsey Banes at kbanes@vt.edu.
INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH DAY
Thursday, Feb 26, 2:00-8:30pm, The Inn @ Virginia Tech
This is a special day highlighting academic considerations for interdisciplinary research and education with guest speaker Dr. Marie Paretti and showcasing student-led interdisciplinary research. The day will close with a buffet dinner and engaging roundtable discussions to try to solve some important regional problems identified by the Blacksburg Town Council. Participants will gain insights into working in interdisciplinary teams and how to bridge disciplinary boundaries. IDR Day is FREE and open to anyone on campus. Please Register at www.idrsociety.org.
DINING ETIQUETTE WORKSHOP – register now
Thursday, Feb 26, 5:30-7:00pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
Learn how to conduct yourself during a formal meal in a professional setting, whether the dinner is part of an interview, a conference, or other engagement. The program will include a presentation, helpful props and tips, and an informal meal during which you can network with graduate students. Registration required. Please complete this short survey at Please register by completing the survey at https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1423598193822 to sign up.
SHORT STATS COURSES FOR GRADS – SPRING 2015 SCHEDULE
LISA (Virginia Tech’s Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis) provides 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. Registration is required, but all courses are free. Spring 2015 Schedule:
- Monday & Tuesday, February 16 & 17: Basics of R;*
- Monday & Tuesday, February 23 & 24: Graphics in R;*
- Tuesday, March 3: Multivariate Analysis in R;
- Tuesday, March 17: Designing Experiments;
- Monday & Tuesday, March 23 & 24: Using ggplot2 to produce enhanced graphics in R;*
- Tuesday, April 7: T-tests & ANOVA;
- Tuesday, April 14: Solutions for Broken Linear Models;
*Two sessions of the same course to accommodate more attendees.
Visit the LISA website at http://www.lisa.stat.vt.edu/?q=short_courses for more information about these courses and to register.