August 31 – September 6, 2015

1.  WEEKLY WALK-IN SERVICES IN THE GLC – break schedule; updated 8/24

  • Career Services advising: on hiatus until Sep 23
  • Cook Counseling: Thursday & Friday 1:00-5:00pm, Green Room 
  • Graduate School regular hours: 8:00am-5:00pm
  • LISA Statistical Consulting: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 10am-12pm, GLC Room A
  • Writing assistance: Thursdays, 5:30-8:30pm, GLC Room A

2. WRITING A WINNING RESUME
Monday, Aug 31, 5:30-6:30pm, GLC Room G
Having a well-polished resume is the most critical step toward getting an interview. Start early to be ready for fall career fairs and on-campus interviews. Sponsored by Career Services. Contact Amy McPherson if you have questions: amcphers@vt.edu

3. A CONVERSATION WITH BLACK FACULTY: NAVIGATING GRADUATE DEPARTMENTS
Tuesday, Sep 1, 11:30am-1:00pm, GLC Room B
Before you get stressed and overwhelmed, join a conversation with faculty members about being successful and strategic in your graduate programs. Light lunch will be served. RSVP at:  https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1440101147667.  Program sponsored by Multicultural Academic Opportunities Program (MAOP).

4. HOKIES4HIRE AND ON-CAMPUS INTERVIEWING
Tuesday, Sep 1, 5:30-6:30pm, GLC Room G
Hundreds of employers search our resume database for candidates each year. Learn how to use the Hokies4Hire system in your job search process. Sponsored by Career Services. Contact Amy McPherson if you have questions: amcphers@vt.edu

5. SENSORY PANEL ON DONUTS: CAN YOU IDENTIFY A DIFFERENT SAMPLE?
Wednesday, Sep 2, 9:00am-2:00pm, HABB1 Building, Rom 205 (corner of Duck Pond Drive and Washington St)
Stop by and take your friends to learn about the lab and participate in an intro panel. Takes about 10 minutes and you get snacks and earn points toward a gift card. Follow the VT Sensory Evaluation Lab on Facebook at facebook.com/VirginiaTechSensoryEvaluationLaboratory or email to vtechsensorylab@gmail.com with questions and comments. Posted on behalf of Kemia Amin, master’s student in food science and technology.

6. VT PAWS INTEREST MEETING
Wednesday, Sep 2, 12:00pm,  Room 102 at the Vet School
VT Helping PAWS (Pet Assisted Wellness Service) is a therapy animal program at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, through which veterinary students and their pets bring companionship and animal-assisted therapy to local facilities so that the community may benefit from human-animal interactions. This semester is the start of a new chapter to grow the organization to better serve the VT community, allowing individuals from VT, alumni, and locals to participate and get certified as Therapy Teams in their own communities. Attend this interest meeting to learn about the organization, the transition with Pet Partners, and hear handlers share a little about their experience. So if you’ve ever thought about wanting to have your dog or cat certified, join this event! Contact VT Paws at vthpaws@scholar.vt.edu for more information. Lunch will be provided.  Please fill out this survey if you can attend: https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1440791942267.

7. SHOULD WE TRUST SCIENCE? PERSPECTIVES FROM HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHY OF SCI
Wednesday, Sep 2, 4:00pm, Lyric Theatre
The Gobal Change Center at VT welcomes Harvard historian and author Dr. Naomi Oreskes for this distinguished lecture. This event is cosponsored by the Graduate School, Undergrad Research, History Department, WLPE Lecture Fund, Fralin Life Sci Institute and a number of interdisciplinary graduate education programs. Free and open to the public, grad students are invited!

8. WELCOME SOCIAL FOR OVER-30 GRADS
Wednesday, Sep 2, 5:00-6:00pm, GLC Room B
Join the group of 30 and over graduate students and find like-minded colleagues who can become part of your professional and social network while at Virginia Tech. Sign-up for this event at:  https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cInF0p5filKGoJv. Light refreshments will be served.

9. INTERVARSITY GRADUATE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP – 2nd  FALL MTG
Wednesday, Sep 2, 6:00pm, GLC Room G
InterVarsity Graduate Christian Fellowship <http://gcfvt.wordpress.com/>  meets weekly for a free dinner and interactive Bible discussion. The conversation theme this fall is “Encountering Jesus”. All are welcome!

10. OPEN AUDITIONS FOR “MELANCHOLY PLAY: A CONTEMPORARY FARCE
Wednesday, Sep 2, 6:00-10:00pm
Written by Sarah Ruhl, this play follows a banker who embodies and portrays all forms of melancholy. Her state of being makes other characters fall in love with her. The play moves through many forms: farce, direct audience address, self-narration, two-person scenes, poetry, and shared monologues to explore and reveal the effects of melancholy and happiness. It includes the cellist underscoring action and three songs the cast sings together. Sign up for an audition slot at Henderson Call Board or email to MFA student Kristin Kelly (director): krkelly@vt.edu or Katie Nguyen (Stage Manager): katien95@vt.edu.

11. THESIS THURSDAYS
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! This weekly gathering is for grad 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, plus multiple spots to sit and study alone or in groups. Stop in any time during study hours. Limited parking available. For more details, contact grad student Morgan Franke at fmorg14@vt.edu.

12. GET YOUR INTERVIEW SUIT AT CAREER OUTFITTERS, SMITH CAREER CTR ON CAMPUS
Thursday-Friday, Sep 3-4, Smith Career Center, Washington Street
Need an interview suit?  Visit Career Outfitters in the Smith Career to shop for a new or gently worn interview suit – FREE of charge!!  For times and more details, go to http://www.career.vt.edu/Events/Sept2015-CareerOutfitters-Shopping.pdf.

13. GLC CAFÉ
Thursday, Sep 3, 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.

14. HOW TO MAKE ENDS MEET
Thursday, Sep 3, 5:00-6:00pm, GLC Room  B
Learn creative ways to live within a meager budget using money-saving strategies specific to the New River Valley.  Bring your own tips and tricks to share with the group.

14 ½. GOBBLERFEST 201
Friday, Sep 4, 4:00-8:00pm, Drillfield
Virginia Tech’s traditional annual kick-off festival of the year, showcasing student organizations, university departments, and local organizations and resources. Food, music, fun, and lots of information about what’s available to you! See more at http://www.gobblerfest.dsa.vt.edu/.

15. STUDENT HEALTH INSURANCE ENROLLMENT OPEN UNTIL SEP 11
The open-enrollment period for 2015-16 in the university-sponsored student health insurance plan by Aetna will end Sep 11. Review the insurance plan and enrollment details at http://www.co.vt.edu/Risk/studenthealthinsr/ and sign up by Sep 11 if you don’t have insurance coverage yet.

16. AUDITIONS FOR FALL SEMESTER PLAYS
General auditions will be held Wednesday, September 2nd between 6PM-10PM in the Liberal Arts Building for actors interested in performing in plays directed by MFA students. Sign up for an audition slot on the Call Board on the 2nd floor of Henderson Hall. Actors cast in "Melancholy Play" will rehearse in September and perform October 21-23 in Theatre 101. Actors cast in "Oh, the Humanity" will rehearse in October and perform November 17-19 in Theatre 101. All are encouraged to audition. No prior experience is required! Contact Thomas Murray at tjmurray@vt.edu with any questions.

17. PEO INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION FOR 2015-16 AWARDS – 1st posting
Applications now accepted for P.E.O. Scholar Awards, which offer $15,000 for outstanding women in doctoral programs. Eligibility:  (1) on track to complete  doctoral degree between Apr 2017-Aug 2018; (2)  have at least one academic year remaining to complete program when award payment is made in Aug 2016; (3) demonstrates outstanding academic excellence with strong research path, publications, awards and service activities, maturity and seriousness of purpose; (4) has clearly defined career objectives, showing promise of making a significant impact on field or society; (5) FT student at an accredited university; (6) US or Canadian citizen. Local application deadline: Sep 20; send concise letter highlighting current work and career and resume to Rebecca Caldwell (rebec.caldwell@gmail.com). More info: www.peointernational.org/about-peo-scholar-awards-psa.

18. ENGLISH CONVERSATION GROUPS THROUGH CRANWELL INTL CENTER – 1st posting
These informal, volunteer-run groups provide an opportunity to practice English skills in a safe, informal environment.  They are open to Virginia Tech students, researchers, scholars, faculty, visitors and their dependents. Individuals can attend any number of classes per week. Cranwell conversation groups are free of charge and require no registration. See schedule at http://www.international.vt.edu/programs_and_activities/english_conversation_groups/index.html.

19. RESUMANIA – 1st posting
Get your resume ready for the upcoming career fairs.  Resumania includes Career Services’ regular 10-minute walking-in advising hours of M-F, 12:00–3:00pm and offers extended hours on Tuesdays and Wednesdays (8/31 – 9/18) from 10:00am-4:00pm.  For more information go to http://www.career.vt.edu/Events/Fall2015-Resumania.pdf.

20. FOLLOW THE GRADUATE STUDENT ASSEMBLY – 2nd posting
The officers of the Graduate Student Assembly (GSA) Executive Board wish you a happy and productive new academic year! Keep your eyes on this bulletin each week for GSA program and social event announcements; follow the GSA on Twitter, Instagram, and Google+ (@vtgsa), like them on Facebook (fb.com/VTGraduateStudentAssembly), and check out their website (tinyurl.com/vt-gsa). Send questions and comments to gsa@vt.edu..

21. VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT FOR VA SCIENCE FESTIVAL – 1st posting
Volunteers sought to help with the Virginia Science Festival in Blacksburg on Saturday, Sep 26, 10:00am-3:00pm.  Last year’s event attracted approximately 6,000 people. Organizers are looking for dynamic leaders, STEAM Enthusiast (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math), and hands-on volunteers to help with many aspects of this  event. Consider volunteering a portion of your Saturday and encourage your student organizations or professional organizations to get involved too! Sign up at http://www.cpe.vt.edu/sciencefestival/volunteers-app.html. Posted on behalf of grad student Casey Bailey, baileycs@vt.edu.

22. CHILDREN WITH FREQUENT TANTRUMS/TEMPER OUTBURSTS SOUGHT FOR TREATMENT STUDY – 1st posting
Children ages 8-12 are currently being enrolled for a free treatment study for frequent tantrums/temper outbursts and chronic irritability. The treatment is designed to teach children to regulate their emotions, and will be conducted in 13 weekly sessions. Families will also receive $70 for completing assessment sessions for the study. If interested in enrolling your child in this study, please contact Amber at MoodReg@gmail.com or call 540-231-9735 for more information.

23. GSA SEEKS 2015-2016 PROGRAM CHAIRS – 2nd posting
The GSA is currently accepting applications for this year’s program chairs! Chairs are interviewed and appointed by the Executive Board officers. Responsibilities include implementing the GSA’s programs, attending board and delegate meetings, and volunteering at GSA-sponsored events. Program chairs develop leadership skills and can add unique professional experiences to their CVs. Currently the GSA is seeking two Travel Fund Program chairs, two Research Symposium chairs, and one Events and Special Projects chair. All chairs will work under the supervision of the Executive Board. Position descriptions are available at http://tinyurl.com/gsa-chairs. To apply, email your CV, the name of the position to which you’re applying, and a brief letter of interest in Word format to Kasey Richardson, Administrative Director of the GSA, at kasey@vt.edu. No prior experience with the GSA is required. Deadline: Friday, 9/11 at 5pm.

24. VT ENGAGE AMERICORPS NETWORK MEMBERS SOUGHT – 2nd posting
Do you enjoy community service, but want to do more? Join the VT Engage AmeriCorps Network!  VTEngage is hiring 21 part-time members to start this fall. Members will serve with the American Red Cross and Smart Beginnings New River Valley to build awareness and capacity in the areas of disaster preparedness and early childhood literacy. AmeriCorps members are placed with these nonprofits to serve the New River Valley area for a national service term that can be completed over the course of the academic year or full year (September 2015-September 2016.) Learn more at http://www.engage.vt.edu/americorps/ and apply at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5mQ48wVtrFiYX4h. Contact Lindsey Gleason at engage@vt.edu or 540.231.9798 with questions.

25. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR PROGRAM FOR MOTHERS ON STRESS MANAGEMENT & HEALTHY EATING –  2nd posting
Participation involves attending four weekly meetings lasting 1.5 hours, a focus group, and a phone interview four weeks later. You will be asked to fill out surveys about your eating behavior and experience of stress at the beginning and end of the study, along with saliva samples and body measurements. The weekly sessions will focus on managing stress, slowing down, and healthy food. The focus group and interview will help researchers learn more about your experience in the program. You may be eligible to participate if you are: a mother 18 or older with a child 5 years or younger living in your home; not currently pregnant or breastfeeding; not participating in a weight loss program or diet. Participants will receive $10-85 based on level of participation. Date and time of program will be determined upon convenience for majority of participants. Contact Lauren by calling/texting (540)808.5358 or emailing slowdownvt@gmail.com.

26. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR SURVEY OF DOCTORAL STUDENTS’ EXPERIENCE WITH LIT REVIEW – 2nd posting
A VT research team is conducting a study regarding doctoral students’ experiences in working on a literature review. The survey includes questions about your program experiences while working on the literature review phase of your doctoral program. Participation in this study will inform researchers regarding ways to help make writing a literature review a better experience for students in the future. Participants must have already completed dissertation literature review to participate in the survey, which takes about 20 minutes to complete. Participation is voluntary and anonymous.  If you have any questions,  contact any member of the research team by emailing to literaturereviewvt@gmail.com. Complete the survey at  https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1429626948238 by Sep 23.

27. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR STUDY EXAMINING HEART RATE IN AUTISM – 2nd posting
Participants between the ages of 5-8 are sought for a research study investigating heart rate and restricted repetitive behaviors in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Researchers are recruiting children with an ASD diagnosis as well as typically developing children. Participation requires a 1-hour laboratory visit from the participant and their parent. The child will be asked to watch a video while wearing a heart rate monitor and a parent will be asked to fill out a packet of questionnaires regarding their child’s health history and behavior. Participants will receive a $20.00 gift card as compensation for their 1-hour laboratory visit. If interested (IRB #: 14-1177), contact the Mind-Body Lab by email (VirginiaTechMBL@gmail.com or by phone (1-540-231-3630) for more information.

28. INTERLOPER MAGAZINE SEEKS CONTRIBUTORS – 3rd posting
The Interloper, Virginia Tech’s LGBT magazine, is looking for enthusiastic, hard-working contributors for its 4th issue. The magazine still needs editors, writers, artists, photographers, and designers. If you are interested in getting involved, please email Matty Bennett at theinterlopervt@gmail.com.

29. HEALTH CARE UTILIZATION SURVEY FOR INTL GRAD STUDENTS – 3rd posting
VT international graduate students are invited to participate in a public health practicum project by taking an anonymous online survey that takes about 5-6 minutes to complete. The information you provide will help researchers identify the barriers international graduate students face in accessing health care services, and help develop ways to address the barriers in order to facilitate student’s access to health services and increase the quality of the available services for current and future students. Access the survey at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_0uYO5CFMHRWS4Kh. If you have any questions,  contact Fatemeh Zarghami at fatemehz@vt.edu or Dr. Kerry Redican at: kredican@vt.edu.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

INTERVIEWING SKILLS
Tuesday, Sep 8, 5:30-6:30pm, GLC Room G
Be prepared for initial screening interviews as well as on-site interviews. This seminar addresses interviewing basics, employer expectations, and insights into behavioral interviews. Sponsored by Career Services. Contact Amy McPherson if you have questions, amcphers@vt.edu.

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.

GUAC TALK WITH THE DEAN
Wednesday, Sep 9, 12:00-1:30pm, GLC Lounge
Stop by to chat with Karen DePauw, Vice President and Dean of the Graduate School, and fellow graduate students while enjoying some delicious guacamole and salsa! This event is come-and-go and free to all graduate students; hosted by the Graduate Student Assembly.

CAREER FAIR PREPARATION
Wednesday, Sep 9, 5:30-6:30pm, GLC Room G
Learn how to present yourself to an employer and what to ask at a job fair. Sponsored by Career Services. Contact Amy McPherson if you have questions, amcphers@vt.edu.

GROCERY BINGO
Thursday, Sep 10, 5:30-6:30pm, GLC Room B
Compete against other graduate students in Bingo for a chance to win free grocery items. Register for this event here: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_1FeSAJhJYFiRVn7.

LATEX WORKSHOP
Thursday, Sep 10, 6:00-7:30pm, GLC Room C
Are you getting headaches when typing math in Word? Frustrated by Word’s restricted ability to manage equations? Wondering how others produce great-quality looking papers with less effort? If yes, time to learn LaTex, a document preparation system (see http://www.latex-project.org/ for details). This workshop is taught by grad student Shahram Amini, shahram@vt.edu. Bring your own laptop! 

KIDS NIGHT OUT – FREE WEEKLY DROP-IN CHILD CARE
Thursdays, starting Sep 10, 2015 6:00-8:30pm, Women’s Center
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. Games, toys, books, crafts, homework help, and plenty of fun for participants. Childcare provided by the volunteers of Chi Delta Alpha sorority. KNO will be held every Thursday throughout the semester with the exception of breaks when classes are not in session. The Women’s Center is located at 206 Washington Street, enter up the stairs in the parking lot. For more information, contact Jessie Meltsner at jmelts@vt.edu or 231-7806.

WTS INTERNATIONAL STUDENT CHAPTER KICK OFF AT VTTI
Friday, Sep 11, 10:00am, VT Transportation Institute
Graduate students with an interest in the transportation field are invited to attend the student chapter kick off for WTS International at VTTI. VTTI conducts research to advance transportation through innovation and has impacted public policy on national and international levels. The event will feature keynote speaker, Ellen Partridge, U.S. DOT Deputy Assistant Secretary of Transportation, panel discussions with staff from VTTI, VTTI demos, and Smart Road tours. Plus, a free lunch! Transportation to the event will be provided. Reserve your spot today: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wts-international-student-chapter-kick-off-tickets-18100692659

WHAT HAVE I GOTTEN MYSELF INTO
Friday, Sep 11, 12:00-1:30pm, GLC Room D
If you are a graduate student who has asked yourself this question, you are not alone! Meet fellow graduate students to talk about graduate school as an exciting – but possibly overwhelming – life adventure! Pizza will be provided. Sign-up for this event at: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bvWBNmEpcksPfox.

HBCU CONNECT LUNCHEON
Wednesday, Sep 16, 12:00-1:00pm, GLC Room G
Did you attend an HBCU before pursuing graduate school at VT? Attend this lunch to network with other HBCU grads. Lunch will be provided by the Graduate School. Please sign up at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_85OfldFMsnZUDY1 if you are planning to attend. If you have any questions, contact Dannette Gomez Beane at dannette@vt.edu.