1. WEEKLY WALK-IN SERVICES IN THE GLC – break schedule; updated 8/3
– Career Services advising: on hiatus until fall
– Cook Counseling: Fridays 1:00-5:00pm in the summer, starting 5/29, Green Room
– GLC Café: 3:30-5:00 every Thursday, Reading Room – continues through summer
– Graduate School regular hours: 8:00am-5:00pm
– LISA Statistical Consulting: Tuesdays,10:00-12:00 in Room A
– Writing assistance: on hiatus until fall
2. BOLLYWOOD DANCE CLASSES THIS SUMMER
Mondays and Tuesdays, 3:00-4:00pm, War Memorial Dance Room
Want to look really cool and learn something new at the same time? Join Bollywood Dance Classes this summer and surprise your friends once the semester starts. The classes will cover many other Indian dance forms and are free and open to all. It’s time to grab your dancing shoes! This message is posted on behalf of grad student Garima Malhotra, garima@vt.edu.
3. SHORT STAT COURSE: USING MIXED EFFECTS MODELS TO QUANTIFY DEPENDENCY AMONG REPEATED MEASURES
Wednesday, Aug 5, 4:00-6:00pm, Fralin Auditorium
Taught by Dr. Chris Franck, this short course will describe mixed effects models, which are a member of the broader class of hierarchical models. Upon completing the course, attendees will (a) be able to describe a mixed effects model including specification of fixed and random effects, (b) describe variance components and intraclass correlation, (c) implement software to fit mixed effects models, and (d) qualitatively contextualize the results of this analytic approach. See http://www.lisa.stat.vt.edu/?q=short_courses for instructions on how to register and to learn more.
4. THESIS THURSDAY
Thursdays, 8:30am – 3:30pm
Need a quiet space to work on your thesis, dissertation, or course work? Gotta study for exams? Absolutely have to get that article out, like, yesterday? Thesis Thursday is your answer! Thesis Thursday is a weekly gathering of graduate students who want to keep accountable to a regular work time and need a guaranteed quiet place to work. Meet each Thursday just a few blocks off campus at 107 Church Street – 2nd floor of the State Farm office (entrance on Church Street). Free coffee and wi-fi provided, plus multiple spots to sit and study alone or in groups. Plus, there’s a lobby area to take a quick break or talk through a problem with a fellow grad! Stop in any time during study hours. Limited parking available. For more details, please contact grad student Tana M. Schiewer at tanas@vt.edu.
5. GLC CAFÉ: JUST THE USUAL
Thursday, Aug 6, 3:30-5:00pm, GLC Reading Room
The GLC Café is offered throughout the year with free coffee, tea, and cookies in the company of your graduate-student and Grad-School colleagues.
6. STEP OUT THIS FRIDAY
Friday, Aug 7, 10:00am-11:00pm, Downtown Blacksburg
Instead of a Friday in the GLC, take part in Blacksburg’s annual music and arts street festival, Seppin’ Out. Learn more about the event and program schedule at http://www.blacksburgsteppinout.com/.
7. REGISTER FOR “GRAD” COURSES FOR FALL 2015 – drop/add opens 8/8
The Graduate School offers a wide array of courses to complement your major studies each semester. Open to all, no pre-requisites. Fall opportunities include:
GRAD 5014, Academic Integrity and Plagiarism – online course
GRAD 5104, Preparing the Future Professoriate – overview of higher ed & faculty roles
GRAD 5114, Contemporary Pedagogy
GRAD 5144, Communicating Science
GRAD 5124, Library Research Skills – online course; register for section by discipline
GRAD 5204, Citizen Scholar Seminar – apply your research interests for the good of society
GRAD 5214, Diversity for a Global Society – prepare to work effectively in contemporary society
GRAD 5224G, Advanced Global Aspects of Intellectual Property Law – controversial topics related to medicine, knowledge, biological materials
GRAD 5314, Future Industrial Professional in Science and Engineering – guidance for pursuing careers in business and industry.
http://graduateschool.vt.edu/gs/tge/fp_courses
8. LITTLE HOKIE HANGOUT CHILDCARE FACILITY NOW ACCEPTING APLICATIONS – 2nd posting
Now accepting applications for the Little Hokie Hangout! The LHH is a new part-day parent cooperative child care program that is run directly across the street from campus. The program director, Mariann Matson, is happy to schedule a time for you to walk through, answer any questions you might have, and provide you with an application form. You can reach her at mematson@vt.edu. This is a play-based program for children who are turning 2 through age 5, but spots are limited so don’t wait! Forms are due by Aug 15. Email childcare@vt.edu for more information.
9. NEW CONTINUOUS ENROLLMENT POLICY EFFECTIVE FALL 2015 – 3rd posting
University Council approved a resolution (2014-15H) which requires graduate students to be continuously enrolled in a minimum of three credit hours in all spring and fall semesters at VT from initial enrollment through graduation. Approved “in absentia” status (resolution 2014-15J) or Cooperative Education Program enrollment also satisfy the continuous enrollment requirement. Graduate students who need to break their continuous enrollment may apply for a leave of absence (resolution 2014-15I) or participate in programs and activities approved by the Graduate School that require absence from the University. Any graduate student failing to remain continuously enrolled without approved leave will be resigned from the University. Learn more about these requirements at https://secure.graduateschool.vt.edu/weblog/monthlymemo/2015/07/16/1437061440000.html.
10. SHARE INSPIRING/FUN SHORT VIDEO ADVICE FOR NEW GRAD STUDENTS! – still posting
What advice do you wish someone had shared with you when you first started as a grad student at Virginia Tech? What little tidbit of information made your first year better, more successful, more fun? Use your smartphone or camera to record a quick video and share your insight(s) with new graduate students; in the video, hold up or stand in front of a sign that has your first name, academic level, and department/program (for example, <Monika, master’s in hotel management>. Clips may be up to 20 seconds long and must be in MPEG4 format. See examples and upload your video at https://drive.google.com/a/vt.edu/folderview?id=0B34tzO_IExZDfjl2anNMLUtJdGFfV2lUcXhSM2h6YUQ0YVVCUjFFb3JBdHZKYWh3NkFlNFk&usp=sharing_eid. The best submissions will be compiled into a short video that will be presented during new graduate student orientation and on the Graduate School’s website. Be creative!
11. SIGN UP NOW FOR PAYROLL DEDUCTION OF COMP FEES FOR GRAD ASSISTANTS – 3rd posting
The registration system for paying comprehensive fees through payroll deduction is now open. Graduate students on an assistantship must either pay their comprehensive fees or enroll for payroll deductions before the payment deadline. To enroll in payroll deductions, first register for classes, then login to Hokie SPA, choose University Account Information menu, and click on Graduate Students on Assistantship, enroll in Payroll Deduction. You must enroll in payroll deduction each semester in which you wish to take advantage of this opportunity. Learn more at http://graduateschool.vt.edu/financial/assistantships#Payroll%20Deduction%20of%20Comprehensive%20and%20Capital%20Fees%20for%20Graduate%20Assistants.
12. NEW GA POSITION IN VT SMART INFRASTRUCTURE LAB – 1st posting
VTSIL is looking for highly motivated grad student help develop code for collecting and processing data from a data acquisition network. This is an opportunity to work with cutting edge data acquisition systems and a unique test bed, gain valuable experience with real-world data collection and data management, and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of students and professors. The goal of the position is to develop a GUI that simplifies the use of an existing C++ code, which is designed to acquire data from a distributed data acquisition system throughout Goodwin Hall. Experience in programming in C++ is required; experience with data acquisition, instrumentation, Qt and MATLAB is desired. The expected duration of these positions is on-going and research credit could be offered if appropriate. For more information visit: http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/staff/zxie/GA_vtsil.pdf. If interested, please e-mail Dr. Tarazaga at pt@vt.edu or Dr. Xie at zhiwuxie@vt.edu.
13. NEW FT GA POSITION IN LIBRARY – WEB AND GRAPHIC DESIGNER – 1st posting
Must have strong, verifiable web and graphic design skills; keen eye with experience and understanding of site architecture, user experience, color theory and color management on the web. Knowledge of current web markup or scripting languages: HTML, CSS, and JavaScript with a basic understanding of how mockups translate to code. Ability to learn new internet and authoring technologies relevant for website development. Demonstrated evidence in coding and creation of websites. Evidence of creativity and innovation. Experience in collaborative work environments. Excellent analytical, interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills. Demonstrated knowledge of trends in web and graphic design. Learn more about the position and application requirements at http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/staff/zxie/GA_web_designer.pdf. To apply, email all required application materials to zhiwuxie@vt.edu with “GA: Web Designer” as the subject.
14. GA OPENING IN VT ENGAGE – 1st posting
The Graduate Assistant for the Students Engaging and Responding through Volunteer Experiences Living Learning Community (SERVE LLC) is responsible for assisting the Assistant Director for Student Engagement at VT Engage: The Community Learning Collaborative in providing leadership for SERVE LLC programming initiatives, supporting instruction/evaluation in the associated LDRS 1015-1016 course series, facilitating group reflections, and mentoring/coaching student leaders throughout their SERVE experience. Additionally, the GA for SERVE will assist in program assessment, student evaluations, and will help represent SERVE in collaborations with other VT Engage staff, campus partners, and community organizations. The GA for SERVE is a 9-month position that does not require campus residency and is supervised by the Assistant Director for Student Engagement. Learn more about the position and application requirements at http://www.engage.vt.edu/graduate-assistant-for-serve-llc/. Apply by Aug 12.
15. VT CREW TEAM SEEKS COACH – 1st posting
The VT Crew Team, sport club within Recreational Sports, is in search of a head varsity coach. This is a paid position for the 2015 Fall and 2016 Spring seasons. The program is student-run and all administrative and logistical issues are managed by the executive team. If you are interested, or know of any potential coaching candidates, contact Neill Frazier at neillf5@vt.edu or (703)-431-8113, or the VT Crew Team at virginiatechcrewteam@gmail.com. Learn more about the team at
16. INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGNER WAGE POSITION OPEN – 1st posting
The Division of Student Affairs Human Resources (DSA HR) office is searching for a graduate student to assist with instructional design and assessment work for training and development programs in the DSA. Duties include researching, coordinating, and developing talent-development content and presentation projects for various populations and learning formats, including online training. The position will also assist with general management and processing of assessment projects for the DSA HR office. Preference given to candidates who have education and/or experience in education, training, adult learning, instruction design, or a related field. Experience with PowerPoint, Scholar, Canvas, Articulate Storyline, Baseline, and/or Qualtrics software is preferred. This is an hourly wage position that averages 10-15 hrs/wk. To apply, send a cover letter and resume to Greg Beecher at gbeecher@vt.edu by 5 pm on Friday, Sep 4. Anticipated start date is mid-September, 2015.
17. MENTORS SOUGHT IN BIOMED & BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES PROGRAM – 1st posting
The Bridges to the Baccalaureate Scholars Program is looking for graduate students to serve as mentors for students interested in biomedical and behavioral sciences. This program is funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) as a means to promote diversity and inclusion in the biomedical and behavioral sciences. Students are paired with mentors for fall semester to help with acclimating to VT, discuss research as a potential avenue for a career option, and have conversations about setting goals and professional development. Mentors are given an introduction to the program with the mentor coordinator and a list of topics to cover for the semester. Mentors are required to meet in person bi-weekly with their mentees and check in via email on the off weeks. Mentors are paid $400 at the end of the semester for their services and are asked to participate in a post-mentoring survey to assess personal gains as a mentor and outcomes of the mentoring relationship. To apply, complete the application at http://tinyurl.com/phlnphy
by 11:59PM, Aug 12. Contact Dr. Nikki Lewis (snl@vt.edu) with any questions.
18. WAGE POSITION OPEN IN GLC: DIGITAL MEDIA CONTENT MANAGER – 2nd posting
The incumbent is responsible for managing digital sign, web and Facebook content, including content development and scheduling, screen and software maintenance, website maintenance, and communication and coordination with Grad School and GLC Service Desk staff. Must be FT grad student, have experience with any of the following software applications: Drupal, Dreamweaver, Macromedia Flash, Photoshop, MS PP, MS Paint, Samsung MagicNet Pro, flash converters. Preference will be given for: at least one semester of previous VT enrollment; web maintenance experience; knowledge of services, programs and events offered in the GLC. Must possess excellent communication skills and be able to work in a team environment. Submit cover letter and resume to grads@vt.edu. Position open until filled. Anticipated starting date: Aug 17 or later. $13/hr, approx. 10 hrs/wk.
19. GRAD STUDENT VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT TO HELP WITH ORIENTATION – 2nd posting
The Graduate School is looking for graduate student volunteers (graduate ambassadors) to assist with international graduate student check-in (Aug 3-21), GTA training (Aug 17-18), the Welcome Center and New Graduate Student Orientation in the GLC (Aug 17-21). Roles include: check-in and registration assistance, information and guidance to attendees; Welcome Center staffing; orientation crowd control; program set up, and more. If you are available and interested in assisting with any of these events, please fill out this short survey: https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1438028410495. Training will be offered to all grad ambassadors.
20. VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT FOR MUSCLE FATIGUE AND RECORVERY STUDY – 2nd posting
Volunteers are sought for dissertation research study about the effects of different physical demands on muscle fatigue. Participants will perform a set of tasks, requiring forceful exertions of the hand, forearm, and/or upper arm. Muscular strength will be measured by voluntary contraction and electrical stimulation of muscles. Other measures will be related to performance and muscle fatigue by monitoring the muscle activity using EMG electrodes. Experiments will be conducted in the Safety Engineering Laboratory in the ISE department. The complete experiment involves up to 7 experimental sessions, each requiring about 4 hours. Participants are paid $10/hour and a $10 bonus after completing all sessions. Participation is voluntary and confidential. Must be age 18-30; males and females; no current or recent history of a physical disorder affecting the hand/arm; exercise on a regular basis (2-3 times per week). Study protocols have been approved by the VT IRB (13-1160). Contact Ehsan Rashedi at rashedi@vt.edu, (540) 629-0297 with any questions or if interested in participating.
21. MILITARY VETERANS SOUGHT FOR COMMUNITY INTEGRATION STUDY – 3rd posting
Male veterans, age 18-26, with PTSD are invited to participate in a study about technology for veterans to assist them with integration into their community after military service. Participation involves completing a short background workbook and then attending an interview session that is audio-recorded. Participation could range between 30 minutes and 2 hours and participants will be compensated $15/hr. For more information, contact Ali Haskins Lisle by email ptsdresearch@vt.edu or phone (540)-585-1588.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
INTERCULTURAL ENGAGEMENT FALL RECEPTIONS – register now!
Intercultural Engagement Center’s Fall 2015 Welcome Receptions are open to any new or returning student, faculty, and staff member who identifies with or would like to support these groups (Black and African-American, Asian and Asian-American, Hispanic and Latino, Veterans, Students with disabilities, Native American, First-generation, LGBT*Q). An RSVP through the Intercultural Engagement Center’s page on GobblerConnect is preferred for each reception. Learn more at http://www.vtnews.vt.edu/notices/072215-dsa-iecreceptions.html.
PARENT SUPPORT GROUP LUNCHEON – register now!
Wednesday, Sep 9
Graduate students with children are invited to join this year’s first Parent Support Group Luncheon. This month participants will have the privilege of hearing from guest speaker Laurie Fritsch about Student Health Initiatives at Virginia Tech that can benefit your family. Lunch is provided, and spouses are welcome. Please register at www.SignUpGenius.com/go/20F0E4FABAA28A1FF2-september. For more information contact Marin Riegger at mriegger@vt.edu.