February 1-7, 2016

1.  WEEKLY WALK-IN SERVICES IN THE GLC – updated 1/25/16

  • Career Services advising: Wednesdays 2:00-5:00pm, GLC Lobby
  • Cook Counseling: ThF 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: TTh 11:00-1:00, F 10:00-12:00, Room A
  • Writing assistance: Th 5:30-8:30, Room A

2. BLACK HISTORY MONTH EVENTS FEB 1-29
Check out a list of events for Black History Month at http://www.iec.vt.edu! You can download any of the events directly to your calendar from Intercultural Engagement Center’s (IEC) google calendar http://www.iec.vt.edu or find details on the university’s online calendar.

3. NAVIGATING VT/AMERICAN ACADEMIC CULTURE
Tuesday, Feb 2, 12:00-1:00pm, GLC Room C       
Are you a new student adjusting to academic life at Virginia Tech? Attend this Q&A to learn about the intricacies of studying in the U.S. and at Virginia Tech. Bring any questions or concerns you may have and Grad School staff and fellow students will help you find your way here. Lunch provided, please sign up online at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_2cvEwrmIDRLsuvX

4. DISCOVER ISLAM
Tuesday, Feb 2, 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. ADULTS WITH ADHD SUPPORT GROUP
Tuesday, Feb 2, 4:30-5:30pm, McComas Hall, Rec Sports Classroom 198
Hokie Wellness is hosting a support group for adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). All VT students and employees are eligible. The group meeting is held on the first Tuesday of the month (Feb 2, Mar 1) from 4:30-5:30pm in McComas Hall Rec Sports classroom 198.

6. FREE MONTHLY ANXIETY/OCD SUPPORT GROUP FOR VT STUDENTS
Tuesday, Feb 2, 6:30-7:30pm, GLC Room A
The Psychological Services Center is providing a free support group for those struggling with anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The group meets on the first Tuesday of every month from 6:30-7:30pm at the Graduate Life Center, Meeting Room A. This group is available for undergraduate and graduate students. Group dates: Feb 2, Mar 1, Apr 5, May 3. Call the Psychological Services Center at 540-231-6914 with any questions.

7. INTERVIEWING SKILLS WORKSHOP
Wednesday, Feb 3, 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. Brought to you by Career Services.

8. 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.

9. WHAT HAVE I GOTTEN MYSELF INTO?
Thursday, Feb 4, 12:00-1:30pm, GLC Room D
If you asked yourself this question as a grad student, you are not alone! Meet fellow graduate students, new and returning, to talk about graduate school as an exciting but sometimes potentially overwhelming adventure. Pizza will be served. Sign up online at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_ahsqyZPiReI8rVH.

10. GLC CAFÉ
Thursday, Feb 4, 3:30-5:00pm, GLC Reading Room
Enjoy all kinds of hot beverages and cookies in the company of your grad student and Grad School colleagues. Relax, network, and fill up with empty carbs. Bring your own mug if you can!

11. WELCOME SOCIAL
Friday, Feb 5, 5:00-7:00pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
Kick off the spring semester at the welcome social hosted by the Graduate Fellows! This is a great opportunity to network, socialize, and have some fun with your peers. This Hokie Spirit themed event will include games, a silly Hokie photo shoot, and food catered by Due South. There will be a prize for the student with the most Hokie Spirit given away at 6pm, so bring you best Tech gear and show it off! Please register if you plan to come at http://tinyurl.com/WelcomeBackSocialSurvey. Email the GLC Fellows any questions: Kevin at kmpark07@vt.edu, Scarlet at scarlet7@vt.edu, or Shiwani at shiwanid@vt.edu.

12. KIDS NIGHTS OUT RETURNS FOR SPRING – NOTE NEW LOCATION!
Thursdays, starting Jan 28, 6:00-8:30pm, Luther Memorial Church classroom, 600 Prices Fork Rd
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 is held every Thursday throughout the semester when classes are in session.  Park in the lower parking lot (on Prices Fork Road) and go up the stairs. Enter the building through the door (with “Little Hokie Hangout” sign) at the top of the hill with the long access ramp. Children should wash their hands in the bathroom before entering the room. Until renovations are completed at the Women’s Center, KNO will meet at the new location.  For more information, contact Jessie Meltsner at jmelts@vt.edu or 231-7806.

13. THE MESSENGER – DOCUMENTARY SCREENING
Thursday, Feb 4, 7:30- 9:10pm, Christiansburg, Regal New River Valley Stadium 14
Cost: $11 per ticket, buy online at: https://tugg.com/events/80304. This documentary about the decline of songbirds due to human actions such as climate change and pipelines recently came out with limited release, with a special showing scheduled at the Regal theater in Christiansburg. This contemplative documentary explores our deep-seated connection to birds and warns that the uncertain fate of songbirds might mirror our own. The Messenger is about what the birds have to tell us about the state of our planet and our shared future. This event is posted on behalf of doctoral student Lisa Whalen.

14. CITIZEN SCHOLAR APPLICATIONS INVITED – 1st posting
Have you used your research to benefit society in any way? Are you currently working, or have worked on a project in the past year, that has community impact, either locally or globally? If so, consider applying for the Citizen Scholar Engagement recognition.  If not, consider designing a Citizen Scholar project! Program requirements are described on the CSE website, http://graduateschool.vt.edu/gs/tge/cse. Applications are due Mar 14.  For more information, email Shelby Ward, shelby08@vt.edu.

15. FAFSA APPLICATION ASSISTANCE SESSIONS IN FEBRUARY
Do you need assistance filing your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)?  If so, the VT Financial Aid office is here to help!  University Scholarships and Financial Aid will be open and available to assist students in filing the FAFSA every Friday in February. Mark your calendar for the following dates and times:  Feb 5 and 19 3-5 p.m; Feb 12 and 26 3-7 p.m. More information is available online at http://www.finaid.vt.edu. 

16. HOMECOMING BOARD POSITIONS OPEN – 2nd posting
Homecoming Board is looking for hard working undergrad and grad students to apply to be on the board for the 2016-2017 school year. There are many positions available including, Parade VP, PR/Marketing VP (and assistants), Decorations committee, and Event Planning positions. This is a great opportunity to add your mark to a long-standing VT  tradition while gaining skills in areas that might be helpful for future jobs. The application is on GobblerConnect at https://gobblerconnect.vt.edu/form/start/89396. Direct any questions to Abigail Lewis (abigail4@vt.edu).

17. ENGLISH CONVERSATION GROUPS AT CRANWELL – 3rd posting
The Cranwell International Center offers multiple classes per week for anyone who wishes to improve their English and learn more about the local culture. They are open to Virginia Tech students, researchers, scholars, faculty, visitors and their dependents. Individuals can attend any number of classes per week. If you have any questions, email international@vt.edu. The conversation groups are free of charge and require no registration. See schedule:  http://www.international.vt.edu/programs_and_activities/english_conversation_groups/index.html.

18. CALL FOR APPLICATIONS FOR GRADUATE STUDENT REP TO BOARD OF VISITORS – deadline next week
Applications for Graduate Student Representative to the VT Board of Visitors are accepted until Feb 12, 2016. All currently enrolled graduate students in good standing are encouraged to consider this great leadership and service opportunity to represent graduate students’ voices, needs and interest on the VT Board of Visitors. Learn more at http://www.dsa.vt.edu/BOV/apply.php.

19. GUITARIST SOUGHT FOR GRAD STUDENT BAND – 1st posting
A small music band made of VT grad students is looking for a guitarist. The band meets every Thursday night 6:30pm and practices for couple of hours. There is a drummer, bass player, key player and a lead female vocal. This band doesn’t adhere to any particular style or music genre so any suggestion on what to jam next is highly welcomed. Requirement: must have an electric guitar or an electric acoustic guitar and be able to meet on a regular basis on Thursday night, 6:30pm. Contact: Han Chen, hansolo@vt.edu.

20. PT JAVA DEVELOPER WAGE OPENING AT VT LIBRARIES – 1st posting
Seeking a smart and reliable developer who values open source and open sharing of knowledge to help customize the VTechWorks system at http://vtechworks.lib.vt.edu and to contribute to the codebase of the DSpace digital library software that runs VTechWorks and many other repositories worldwide. Duties: fix bugs in and develop new features for VTechWorks; contribute code to the open source DSpace project. Minimum required: familiarity with Java, XML, HTML, CSS, and virtual machines such as VirtualBox. Preferred: git, GitHub, XSLT, SQL, PostGres, Apache, and Vagrant. Wage: $15/hr. To apply, fill out an application from a public computer in Newman Library in the Student Employee Application System at http://seas.lib.vt.edu, then write Dr. Amanda French at alfrench@vt.edu indicating that you would like to be considered for the part-time VTechWorks Java Developer position. Applications due:  Feb 12, 2016. Read more at http://j.mp/vtechworks-java-dev.

21. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR RESEARCH STUDY ABOUT LGBQ INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS – 1st posting
International students who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, queer, homosexual, unsure, questioning, etc are invited to share their stories. Participation consists of confidential interviews and journals reflecting on your experiences. Participants will receive $15-$50 amazon gift card in compensation. To participate, contact CICOstories@gmail.com. For more information, see: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_beGzllp5wS4d5rL. Posted on behalf of doctoral student Hoa Nguyen.

22. VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT FOR MOSS ART CTR SCHOOL-DAY PERFORMANCES – 1st posting
The Moss Art Center (MAC) is seeking volunteers to assist with school-day performances that bring students, teachers, parents and chaperones to K-12 arts activities at the MAC. The first event, Blair Thomas & Co. Puppet Theater, is quickly approaching. If you are interested in helping, please email Donna Thompson at tdonna27@vt.edu.

23. CHILDREN AGES 8-12 WITH FREQUENT TEMPER OUTBURSTS SOUGHT FOR NEW TREATMENT STUDY – 1st posting
Children ages 8-12 are currently being enrolled for a free treatment study for anger and frequent temper outbursts. 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, contact Amber at MoodReg@gmail.com or call 540-231-9735 for more information.

24. VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT FOR STUDY ON SIMULATED AUTOMOBILE ASSEMBLY TASKS – 3rd  posting
Requirements: Age 18-30; females only; no current or recent history (1 year) of musculoskeletal problems. Participants will be asked to perform a repetitive task simulating automotive trim assembly, involving striking activities with the hand/fist.  The experiment will be done in a laboratory setting in the ISE department. Four sessions (one training + three data collection), compensation: $10 per hour for about 3 hours in each of four sessions + $20 bonus after completion. Contact Alireza Sedighi at 540-394-8441 or sedighia@vt.edu if interested.

25. VT HELPING PAWS IS RECRUITING VOLUNTEERS – 3rd posting
VT Helping PAWS (Pet Assisted Wellness Service) is a therapy animal program at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine that provides an opportunity for students/faculty/staff and their pets to bring companionship and animal-assisted therapy for the community. The group visits Newman Library, Squires Student Center, and other places around campus on a regular basis. Join the organization and become a therapy team through Pet Partners, a national pet therapy organization.  The current focus includes dogs & cats, but there is potential for other species such as rats, rabbits, & guinea pigs to be evaluated through Pet Partners.  Volunteers who do not have their own pet are still welcome to help with training classes and at events! If interested, complete this survey: https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1452557426692. There will be a Meet & Greet on  Tuesday, Feb 2 at 6:00pm at the CMMID barn on Prices Fork Rd for the pets & their handlers interested in joining this semester’s training class.  Contact Sara Boyle at petluv15@vt.edu with questions.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

SPEED INTERVIEWING
Tuesday, Feb 9, 5:30-7:30pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
Looking to practice your interviewing skills? Take advantage of the opportunity to practice interviewing in a low-key environment and receive immediate feedback from career advisors and VT staff. Every 6 minutes you rotate from one interviewer to the next, answering a different question each time. Register for a one-hour time slot: 5:30–6:30pm or 6:30–7:30pm online at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_06XWdFGVRmazDlH. Space is very limited; only register if you are committed to come! Accepted registrations and time slots will be confirmed by email. If you cannot attend after registering, please email to hdanya@vt.edu so that your spot can be reassigned to a fellow graduate student.

DMV CONNECT – MOBILE DMV SERVICES IN THE GLC!
Thursday, Feb 11, 9:00am-4:00pm, GLC Room D
Friday, Feb 12, 9:00am-2:00pm, GLC Room DIf you don’t have time to travel to the DMV in Christiansburg, here is your chance to get DMV business done in the GLC! Get your state ID, veteran’s ID, driver’s license, disabled parking placard, vehicle title and registration and more.

THEOLOGY ON TAP: MORE THAN JUST HOLY SPIRITS
Monday, Feb 15, 7:00pm, Sycamore Deli
Having faith as a young adult, finding the middle ground between Saturday night and Sunday morning. From breweries to bible studies, small groups to socializing, how can you be radically faithful in the day to day?  Don’t miss out on the Blacksburg area’s first Theology on Tap at Sycamore Deli – Monday, Feb 15 – all sandwiches on the menu are $5! Talk begins at 7pm, come early for dinner and drinks, stay late for discussion. Chris Hitzelberger, Director of VT Catholic Campus Ministry will speak on how to integrate your faith with everyday life, followed by Q&A. For more information please contact grad student Mary Claire Gibson at mcg226@vt.edu.