1. WEEKLY WALK-IN SERVICES IN THE GLC – break schedule; updated 9/21
- Career Services advising: Wednesdays, 2:00-5:00 GLC Lobby
- Cook Counseling: Thursday & Friday 1:00-5:00pm, Green Room
- Graduate School regular hours: 8:00am-5:00pm
- Immigration advising hours: MWF 1:00-5:00pm, TTh 9:00am-12:00pm
- LISA Statistical Consulting: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 10am-12pm, GLC Room A
- Writing assistance: Thursdays, 5:30-8:30pm, GLC Room A
2. PANEL ON WHITE PRIVILEGE, FEATURING TIM WISE
Tuesday, Nov 3, 12:00pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
Students are encouraged to participate in this lunch discussion with the author of “Dear White America,” Tim Wise, and faculty panelists. Lunch begins at noon and discussion to start at 12:30pm. Please register for this event as space is limited: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cZ7vCjrHAw275Rj. Contact grad student Stephanie House-Niamke at stepha4@vt.edu with any questions.
3. DISCOVER ISLAM
Tuesday, Nov 3, 12:00-2:00pm, Info Booth A in front of Au Bon Pain at Squires
Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world with more than 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 tasty Arabian dates. Hosted by the Islamic Student Assembly (ISA). Posted on behalf of grad student Amr Nabil, anabil@vt.edu.
4. GUAC TALK WITH THE DEAN
Wednesday, Nov 4, 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 Chipotle guacamole and salsa! This event is come-and-go and free to all graduate students; hosted by the Graduate Student Assembly.
5. 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.
6. OVER 30 THURSDAYS
Thursdays, 12:30-3:30pm, Room D
Did you know? The Grads Over 30 group has reserved space in the GLC (Room D) for each Thursday this semester for those wanting a space to study, meet other students or just hang out. No formal agenda, just an open space to get work done!
7. GLC CAFÉ
Thursday, Nov 5, 3:30-5:00pm, 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. Now that many of you have GLC special-edition mugs, post your "mug shots" (a photo of you and your GLC mug, or your mug at home or in your office, or however you want to interpret mug shot) at https://www.facebook.com/VirginiaTechGLC. The best entry, as judged very subjectively by Monika Gibson, will earn a Starbucks gift certificate for someone!
8. 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.
9. NOVEMBER RECHARGE
Thursday, Nov 5, 6:00-9:00pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
It has been a long semester and the time has come for a recharge. Join the GLC Fellows as they offer opportunities for you to recharge your mind, body, and soul. There will be games, crafts, activities, and healthy food, all aimed at promoting graduate student wellness. Be there! If you have any questions, email GLC Fellows Kevin Parker at kmpark07@vt.edu, Scarlet Soult at scarlet7@vt.edu, or Shiwani Dewal at shiwanid@vt.edu.
10. AUTUMN TRADITIONS AROUND THE WORLD
Friday, Nov 6, 6:00-8:30pm, Squires Commonwealth Ballroom
The Cranwell International Center presents this Keystone Experience event of intercultural connections, food, and music with Blacksburg’s international and local community. Vegetarian food options will be available. This year, in the spirit of "UT Prosim", it is requested that each attendee bring two cans of healthy food to donate; donations will be distributed via a local food pantry to help support local families in need. Register at https://gobblerconnect.vt.edu/organization/internationalvt/Calendar/details/681147 if you are planning to attend.
11. INTERDISCIPLINARY HONOR SOCIETY NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS – 1st posting
The Interdisciplinary Research Honor Society (IDR) is accepting new applications for membership up through Friday, Nov 20. IDR was founded at Virginia Tech in 2011 by graduate students to promote and facilitate interdisciplinary cooperation, research, and networking at VT and other universities. Currently there are more than 20 active members and the society offers opportunities to network with professionals and peers, present your own work at an annual poster day, and attend spotlight talks given by individuals heavily involved in interdisciplinary work. Plus, there is food at meetings! Any students, graduate or undergraduate, who are actively involved in research combining multiple disciplines, including science, engineering, business, or education, are encouraged to apply. More details about the society, membership requirements, and the membership application can be found at http://www.idrsociety.org/membership/application. Direct questions to VP of membership, Shabnam Kavousi, at shabnamk@vt.edu.
12. GRAD STUDENT MEMBERS SOUGHT FOR CAREER SERVICES ADVISORY BOARD – 1st posting
Career Services is establishing a student advisory board to generate ideas, feedback and suggestions about a wide range of topics related to their mission and involving programming, technology, policies, outreach, etc. Information about the advisory board and the application are at https://career.vt.edu/studentadvisoryboard.html. The application deadline is noon on Thursday, Nov 12.
13. FINANCIAL AID GRAD E-NEWSLETTER – 3rd posting
Check out the latest edition of Scholarships & Financial Aid’s Grad E-news at http://www.finaid.vt.edu/Graduate-Students/Grad-Student-E-Newsletter-Oct-2015.pdf! Topics include scam aler, special message for those graduating in December, the impact of the continuous enrollment requirement on financial aid and more!
14. GSA GRADUATE RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM FALL CYCLE OPEN – 2nd posting
Do you have a research idea that deserves funding? Apply to the GSA’s Graduate Research Development Program, which provides monetary support for graduate student research twice each academic year. Doctoral students can receive up to $1,000; master’s students up to $750 to conduct their projects. The fall application cycle is open Oct 28 to Nov 13, 2015, with winners announced in early Dec. Get more information and apply online through the GSA website: https://blogs.lt.vt.edu/graduatestudentassembly/graduate-research-development-program/. Contact the GRDP Chair, Hannah Lane, at hglane07@vt.edu with any questions.
15. CISO LOGO DESIGN CONTEST – 2nd posting
The Council of International Student Organizations, CISO, is looking for a new logo! CISO is an umbrella organization that serves the needs of VT international through advocacy and programming such as Dance of Nations, Parade of Nations, and International Street Fair, which provide a platform for Virginia Tech’s international community to showcase the array of diverse cultures present in Blacksburg. CISO is looking for a creative and unique logo that captures the CISO mission. The logo should speak to the global conscientiousness that is present on campus in a thoughtful and inventive manner. It also needs to incorporate the letters “CISO” in some manner. In your design, please do not incorporate flags of actual countries. The design must adhere to university branding standards. Please refer to the Brand Guide for further guidance (https://www.branding.unirel.vt.edu/). The designer of the winning logo will win a $50 Amazon Gift Card. Submit your logo in jpg format at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_3P3sGWq3B578doh.
16. GSA TRAVEL FUND PROGRAM FALL APPLICATION CYCLE – deadline this Friday!
If you’re planning to travel or have traveled to present your research at a scholarly conference between Jul 1 and Dec 31, 2015, consider applying for the Graduate Student Assembly’s Travel Fund Program (TFP). Domestic/international travel by master’s/doctoral students are eligible. Applications accepted for the fall cycle from Monday, Oct 19 to Friday, Nov 6, 2015 at 11:59 PM. Visit http://blogs.lt.vt.edu/graduatestudentassembly/travel-fund-program/ for details and to apply. New this cycle: must submit a certification letter signed by your advisor or committee member or department head; this will replace the ‘proof of peer review’ requirement in previous application cycles. The certification letter will be posted on the TFP application site. Contact Marie Stettler Kleine or Omchand Mahdu, TFP Co-Chairs at gradtravelfund1516@vt.edu with questions.
17. SHORT STATS COURSES FOR GRADS BY LISA
LISA (Virginia Tech’s Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis) is providing a series of evening short courses to help graduate students use statistics in their research. Visit the LISA website at http://www.lisa.stat.vt.edu for instructions on how to register and to learn more. Remaining Fall 2015 Schedule:
- Tuesday, Nov 10, 4:30-6:30 pm: Comparing Means and Other Measures of Location between Two Populations by Significance Tests and Effect Size;
- Tuesday, Nov 17, 4:30-6:30 pm: Data Analytics – Classification;
- Tuesday, Dec 1, 4:30-6:30 pm: Visualizing and Analyzing Spatial Data with R;
18. ASSISTANTSHIP OPENING IN NLI – 1st posting
Network Learning Initiatives (NLI) is seeking a 12-month GA. Successful candidate must have experience providing support in an academic or professional setting; experience with instructional technologies, proficiency with computer functions such as word processing, spreadsheets, and database management; experience with standard computer software such as Word, Outlook, Excel, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, etc.; good graphic design/web development skills, strong communication, interpersonal and organizational skills, must be detail orientated and a team player, able to perform tasks in a timely manner; must have ability to interact comfortably and respectfully with all individuals in a diverse environment. Send resumes or CV to overtons@exchange.vt.edu by Friday, Nov 6.
19. SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS ARE SOUGHT BY VT LANGUAGE AND CULTURE INSTITUTE – 1st posting
The VT Language and Culture Institute at Virginia Tech is hiring substitute teachers. See https://www.lci.vt.edu/. Must have a master’s degree; linguistics, TESOL, English preferred, but other areas considered. Classes run Monday-Friday 8:00-9:50, 10:00-11:50, Monday-Thursday 12:00-12:50, 1:00-3:15 and 3:45-6:00. Contact Pamela Smart-Smith at smart1@vt.edu for more information.
20. SURVEY PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR RESEARCH ON IMPACT OF EXERCISE ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE AND STRESS – 1st posting
Survey participants are sought for an MPH group training project. The survey consists of only 11 questions and takes about 2 minutes to complete. The project explores how exercise improves academic performance and stress management. Survey participants will be invited to an interactive exercise training program that will take place on Friday, Dec 4, 11-1. Complete the survey online by Nov 11 at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_es2jNg53r2IyXs1.
21. RESEARCH STUDY FOR TEENAGERS AND PARENTS – 1st posting
Parents and adolescents (13-17 years old) are needed for a VT study of social and academic experiences. With their parent and a same-gender close friend, teens will be asked to complete questionnaires, conversation tasks, and a speech task. Participation should last 1.5 hours. Study is located on VT Blacksburg campus. Teens, their participating friend, and participating parent are each given $10 gift certificate. Interested? Call the VT Social Development Lab at 540-231-8179 or email rlm527@vt.edu.
22. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR STUDY ON SOCIAL ATTITUDES – 1st posting
VT Carilion Research Institute is recruiting subjects for a behavioral and neuroimaging study on social attitudes. Participants will: answer questionnaires and complete assessments; play simple computer games during an MRI scan; receive $30-50 for their participation; receive a CD of their brain images from the MRI scan. To be eligible, must be: 18-64 years old; Caucasian (White American) who is a born citizen of the US or a Chinese citizen studying in the U.S.; free of metal implants; not claustrophobic. If you meet the above requirements and are interested in participating, email to participate@vtc.vt.edu or call Lauren at 540-526-2120 or Riley at 540-526-2068.
23. PARENTS AND INFANTS SOUGHT FOR STUDY – 1st posting
The infant-Language Emotion Attention Perception (i-LEAP) Lab in the VT Department of Psychology is seeking parents and their 13- 15-month-old infants for a study on early word-object learning to explore whether infants are influenced by social cues in their attempts to learn the names of new objects. Infants are presented with short videos of a woman talking during which she says “Hi Baby” and then looks in the opposite direction of an object that appears to her left or right on a screen. She then looks back at the baby and names the object. Will the infants learn this relationship even though her gaze is not useful? You and your infant can help answer this question! All sessions last approximately 20-30 minutes and you are compensated $10 for your participation. Older siblings are welcome to come along and there is convenient parking near the location. Contact 540-231-3972 or emailing to iLeap@vt.edu if interested. Posted on behalf of doctoral student Laura Mills-Smith.
24. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR ERGONOMICS & MANUFACTURING PRODUCTIVITY STUDY – 2nd posting
Participants are needed for a VT research study investigating effects of ergonomic designs and interventions on manufacturing quality and productivity. Requirements: 18–35 years old; must have normal vision and no self-reported current or recent (past 1 year) musculoskeletal injuries, other health conditions. The experiment involves two sessions (one training, one data collection) in which you will be asked to perform a simulated drilling task using three different workstation configurations. Completing each session will take ~3 hours, and you will be compensated $10 per hour of participation. For further information and scheduling, contact grad student Saad at 206-859-9146 or iesaad@vt.edu.
25. HEALTH CARE UTILIZATION SURVEY FOR INTL GRAD STUDENTS – 2nd 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.
26. RESEARCH STUDY FOR TEENAGERS AND PARENTS – 2nd posting
Parents and adolescents (13-17 years old) needed for VT study of social and academic experiences. With their parent and a same-gender close friend, teens will be asked to complete questionnaires, conversation tasks, and a speech task. Participation should last 1.5 hours. Study is located on VT Blacksburg campus. Teens, their participating friend, and participating parent are each given $10 gift certificate. Interested? Call the Virginia Tech Social Development Lab at 540-231-8179 or email grad student Rachel Miller Slough at rlm527@vt.edu.
27. DONATIONS SOUGHT FOR LITTLE HOKIES DONATE & SWAP – 2nd posting
Donate unused or gently used children’s items for ages 0-10. Items requested: toys, music/dvd/books, clothing (baby and maternity), formula, lactation devices, strollers, car seats, school supplies, bedding, bathing/grooming supplies, feeding supplies, etc. All donations can be dropped off at the GLC Welcome Center between Nov 4-17. On Nov 18 grad students and their families are invited to fill their bag with as many baby items as they need!
28. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR ONLINE SURVEY ABOUT WORK-LIFE BALANCE – 2nd posting
A team of graduate students in the Department of Population Health Sciences are seeking participants to complete an online questionnaire on work-life balance in graduate school. The purpose of this survey is to: assess needs of graduate students regarding work-life balance; inform the design of a health education training workshop to address work-life balance for graduate students; and anticipate attendance for a training session to be held at the end of the Fall 2015 semester. The survey will take approximately 5-10 minutes to complete and can be accessed at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6J7P265ovPM4fop. If you have any questions, please Katherine Williams at kathw@vt.edu.
29. ONLINE NEEDS ASSESSMENT SURVEY ABOUT FOOD SECURITY AMONG GRAD/NON-TRADITIONAL STUDENTS – 2nd posting
Graduate students are invited to take this IRB-approved online survey about needs assessment of food insecurity amongst graduate students and nontraditional students on VT’s campus. Access the survey at https://vce.az1.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_0oBAmrOmGTju8Xr. Contact Meredith Johnson at meredil@vt.edu with any questions.
30. FORMER CO-TEACHERS SOUGHT FOR GRADUATE RESEARCH STUDY – 3rd posting
Grad students in a qualitative methods in educational research class are conducting a study on co-teaching to explore the perceptions of interactions that take place during that experience. Anyone who has engaged in co-teaching at VT within the past two years may participate in a face-to-face interview of about 45-60 minutes. The interview will be audio-recorded and can occur in your office or another quiet area of your choice. Open-ended questions will be related to co-teaching experience, educational philosophy, and perceptions of your co-teaching partner’s approach to teaching. Participation is voluntary and confidential. For more information or to sign up, contact grad student John Morelock at morelock@vt.edu.
31. VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL MATH DAY – 3rd posting
The Math Department will be hosting an event this fall that will bring middle school students to campus for a morning of math activities with the goal of encouraging girls to remain interested in mathematics. Volunteers are needed for Friday, Nov 13 with visiting students arriving around 9:00am and leaving by 1:00pm (setup starting at 8 and cleanup until 2). Volunteers are needed to help lead or aid in activities, guide students on campus, and help with other day-of tasks, including set up and clean up. Volunteers do not need to stay for the entire event. If interested or would like to know more, email doctoral student Mandy Welch (welcha1@vt.edu).
32. CHILD PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR EYE GAZE & EMOTIONS PROJECT – 3rd posting
The Eye Gaze & Emotions Project of VT’s Psychology Department is seeking children between ages of 6-9 to contribute to the understanding of how kids read emotion. Parents/legal guardians complete questionnaires and children complete in-lab tasks and computer games. Receive between $10-$20 and a toy for your child! Contact Lauren at (540) 231-9735; EyeGazeEmotions@gmail.com if interested.
33. CHILD VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR GRADUATE TRAINING OPPORUTUNITY – 3rd posting
The VT Clinical Psychology graduate program seeks parents with children between the ages 7–17 to participate in a volunteer child assessment. This is a training exercise for entry level doctoral students in the Clinical Psychology program. The assessment will consist of 3 sessions, each lasting approximately 2-3 hrs. The graduate student will administer cognitive, achievement, and behavioral assessments tests to your child. The parent will also be asked to complete a diagnostic interview with the student. If you are interested in volunteering your child for this assessment, contact Rachel Miller-Slough (rlm527@vt.edu) and provide your contact information (email and phone number) and a rough idea of when you would be available during October. A graduate student will then contact you to schedule the sessions. Assessments are conducted at the Child Study Center (460 Turner St.), supervised by Dr. Susan White (Dir of Child Assessment Clinic). Volunteers receive $30.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
HOKIE PARENT SUPPORT GROUP LUNCHEON
Wednesday, Nov 11, 12:00-1:30, GLC Room D
Join a group of Hokie parents for support and information sharing. This month participants will hear from Anna LoMascolo, representative of the VT Women’s Center, about programs and initiatives that can benefit your family. Register online at http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0e4fabaa28a1ff2-november1 if you plan to attend.
CISO PRESENTS: DANCE OF NATIONS
Wednesday, Nov 11, 7:00pm, GLC Auditorium
Join the Council of International Student Organizations and our many international students in celebrating the cultural diversity of the Hokie Nation through dance. The event is free and open to the general public. For more information contact grad student Noha at noha@vt.edu.
OPEN EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES IN TEACHING AND LEARNING: WHAT, WHY, AND HOW
Monday, Nov 16, 10:00-12:00, Newman Library Multipurpose Room (first floor)
The University Libraries, Center for Instructional Development & Educational Research (CIDER), and Technology enhanced-Online Learning Strategies (TLoS) will welcome Eddie Watson, director of the Center for Teaching and Learning at the University of Georgia and expert on open educational resources, to lead several workshops. For more information visit https://www.lib.vt.edu/libnews/2015/2015-10-22.html.
TIPS FOR SUCCESSFULLY NAVIGATING INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH
Monday, Nov 16, 12:30-2:00pm, GLC Room B
Join Dr. Amy Pruden, professor on civil and environmental engineering and associate dean for interdisciplinary education in the Graduate School, for a workshop on navigating interdisciplinary research. Bring your own lunch!