November 30 – December 6, 2015

1.  WEEKLY WALK-IN SERVICES IN THE GLC

  • 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. WORKSHOP ON REPRODUCIBLE RESEARCH BY CENTER FOR OPEN SCIENCE
Monday, Nov 30, 2:00pm, Newman Library Multipurpose Room (1st floor)
Researchers can take many actions to increase the openness and reproducibility of their work. Learn easy, practical steps to increase the reproducibility of your work during this hands-on workshop presented by Courtney Soderberg, Center for Open Science. Using example studies, attendees will actively participate in creating a reproducible project from start to finish. Topics covered: Project documentation; Version control; Pre-Analysis plans; Open source tools like the Center for Open Science’s Open Science Framework to easily implement these concepts in a scientific workflow. The workshop is aimed at those engaged in quantitative research; it does not require any specialized knowledge of programming. Participants will gain a foundation for incorporating reproducible, transparent practices into their current workflows. For more information contact Andi Ogier, alop@vt.edu.

3. AUDITIONS FOR ‘SETNET’ WRITTEN AND DIRECT BY GRAD STUDENT
Monday, Nov 30, 7:00-10:00pm, Theater 201
Tuesday, Dec 1, 7:00-10:00pm, Theater 201
Setnet is the story of the fishermen in remote Alaska, who are trying to survive another salmon season and each other. It is a raucous adventure play that includes a capella singing. Auditions will be done in hour-long slots. Sign up for a slot by emailing naphtalifields@gmail.com. The cast is 7 male, 1 female. Prepare a one-minute monologue of your choice, and a short (30 second) song to be sung a capella. Auditioning students will read sides during the audition, work on some group movement, and sing together. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Naphtali Fields at naphtalifields@gmail.com.

4. DISCOVER ISLAM
Tuesday, Dec 1, 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). Contact grad student Haitham Elmarakeby (marakeby@vt.edu) for more information.

5. WRITING CENTER INFORMATION SESSIONS ON FORMING WRITING SUPPORT GROUPS
Thursday, Dec 3, 12:00-1:30, GLC Room F
Friday, Dec 4, 1:00-2:30, GLC Room D
Do you need some support with writing your thesis, dissertation, journal articles, and more? Would you like some help finding other graduate students to form a writing support group? The Writing Center and the Graduate School are facilitating the forming of writing support groups. Attend one of these information sessions to learn how a writing group may help you stay on task, how to become a member of a writing group, and other techniques that may help you along the way. Can’t make it to the above dates? Check back at the VT Writing Center website– additional information sessions will be offered in the beginning of the spring semester.

6. 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.

7. 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!

8. GLC CAFÉ: WHIPPED CREAM EDITION
Thursday, Dec 3, 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. Enjoy some coffee or hot chocolate with whipped cream galore!

9. VT PAWS SPECIAL EDITION @ GLC
Thursday, Dec 3, 6:30-7:30pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
The GLC Fellows invite you to relieve some stress with the amazing VT PAWS Therapy animals. Students from the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine will be there with their dogs and cats. Come hang out, spend some time with the animals, take a break from studying, and relax! To learn more about VT PAWS, visit https://www.facebook.com/VTHelpingPAWS/?fref=ts or http://www.vetmed.vt.edu/vthelpingpaws/. If you have any questions, contact GLC fellow Shiwani Dewal at shiwanid@vt.edu. 

10. DIWALI 2015 CELEBRATION: FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
Sunday, Dec 6, 5:00-9:00pm, Burruss Hall and Squires Commonwealth Ballroom
Be a part of the Diwali and New Year celebrations hosted by the VT Indian Student Association. Diwali, also known as Deepavali and the “festival of lights,” is an ancient Indian festival that signifies the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, good over evil, and hope over despair. Participate in the biggest Indian cultural show, fireworks and authentic Indian dinner. For more information visit http://www.isa.org.vt.edu/.

11. GSA WEEKLY UPDATES AVAILABLE ONLINE
The Graduate Student Assembly (GSA) is the governing body representing all graduate students. GSA strives to improve campus life, support scholarly pursuits, and encourage graduate student community. Every week, GSA sends out announcements about upcoming events and opportunities. Check out http://blogs.lt.vt.edu/graduatestudentassembly/blog/ for weekly updates. Email gsa@vt.edu with any questions.

12. DIVERSITY SCHOLAR PROGRAM NOMINATIONS ACCEPTED THROUGH DEC 10 – 3rd posting
Are you committed to the awareness, knowledge, and skills associated with diversity and inclusion? Are you interested in making Virginia Tech a more inclusive place? If yes, then you should consider becoming a Diversity Scholar. Learn more about the program at http://graduateschool.vt.edu/diversity/scholars_program

13. BOUCHET GRADUATE HONOR SOCIETY NOMATIONS ACCEPTED THROUGH NOV 20 – 3rd posting
The VT Graduate School is one of the few universities with a Bouchet Honor Society Chapter. The Society recognizes outstanding scholarly achievement and promotes diversity and excellence in doctoral education and the professoriate. For more information visit http://graduateschool.vt.edu/Bouchet_Society.

14. VT ENGAGE: PERU SERVICE IMMERSION TRIP – 3rd posting, deadline today
Participate in a service immersion trip to contribute to environmental education and rainforest preservation activities, or maintenance at ARCA’s education center, or build solar showers and contribute to native tree reforestation in Peru. Leave with a greater understanding of Peruvian life in the Amazon rainforest and the high Andes, culture & history, nonprofit work, & of the diversity of perspectives our team will bring to the week. All undergraduate and graduate students may apply.  Need-based financial assistance is available. Apply at http://www.globaleducation.vt.edu/index.cfm?FuseAction=Programs.ViewProgram&Program_ID=12203 by Nov 30, 2015.  Questions? Contact Eliza at VT Engage, elizaw8@vt.edu, 540.231.5853.

15. 2016 FIW GRAD STUDENT ASSOCIATION CALENDARS FOR SALE – 3rd posting
Need holiday gifts or some color in your office? Students in the VT Fish and Wildlife Graduate Student Association in the College of Natural Resources and the Environment are selling 2016 calendars that highlight their work around the world. Each month features a color photo taken by a student and showcases research on species such as elephants, shorebirds, freshwater mussels, lions, and hellbenders. One calendar is $15; two or more are $12 each. Download an order form at http://www.cnre.vt.edu/students/graduate/order-forms/wildlife-calendar-order-form.pdf. Email fiwgsa@gmail.com with any questions.

16. GRAD WAGE POSITION OPEN IN OIRED – 2nd posting
Office of International Research, Education, and Development (OIRED) is looking for a graduate student (wage) to work up to 20 hrs/wk on projects and initiatives, including providing support to project development and efforts to identify and respond to project funding opportunities. The grad student will contribute to proposal preparation and help with the due diligence and research that goes into responses to funding opportunities.  S/he will support ongoing project work as appropriate. Preference is for a student with experience and/or demonstrated interest in working internationally. To apply, send your resume to Lia Kelinsky, liak9@vt.edu by Dec 11, 2015.

17. VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT FOR SENSORY PANELS
Tuesday, Dec 1, Hummus Panel  10:00-4:00
Wednesday, Dec 2, Spice Panel 10:00-4:00
Thursday, Dec 3, Spice Panel 10:00-4:00
All panels at HABB1 Building, Rm 205 @ corner of Duck Pond Drive and Washington St SW. Hokie Express at the building Sensory evaluation takes only 15 minutes and will continue until quota is met. You and your friends are eligible to participate; up to 100 panelists needed each day. Go every day if you can and earn "stamps" towards gift cards for each day you participate. If you participate in every day of panels you will earn a $10 gift card in just one week. Check www.facebook.com/VirginiaTechSensoryEvaluationLaboratory for updates.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

FINANCIAL AID LOAN REPAYMENT INFO SESSION
Monday, Dec 7, 12:00-1:30pm, GLC Room G
If you are graduating in the near future and having to start repaying students loans is looming around the corner, this info session might be just what you need! Financial Aid staff will walk you through the repayment planning process and discuss all the things you need to know! After the info session they will offer one-on-one advising in the GLC on Wednesday and Thursday 8:30-12 and Friday 1-5.

PARENT SUPPORT LUNCHEON
Wednesday, Dec 9, 12:00-1:30pm, GLC Room D
Join fellow Hokie parents and a representative from NRVCares to talk about programs in the community that might be valuable to graduate student families. Please register at http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0e4fabaa28a1ff2-december1 if planning to attend.