February 29 – March 6, 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. LGBTQ+ENGINEERING CONNECT LUNCH
Tuesday, Mar 1, 12:00pm, Kelly Hall’s Café X
Join for a catered lunch and free-form dialogue on the LGBTQ+ experience in the College of Engineering with Dean DePauw, Vice President and Dean for Graduate Education, and Dr. Pratt-Clarke, Vice Provost for Inclusion and Diversity and Vice President for Strategic Affairs. Come to connect, share, and learn more about engineering specific initiatives from out in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (oSTEM) and Queer Grads, Professionals and Allies (QGPA). Discretion and privacy respected. Location has single occupancy restrooms. All undergrads, grads, faculty, and staff welcomed. Sponsored by the College of Engineering Diversity Committee. Questions about the event, dietary offerings, and/or accessibility? Email: oSTEM.vt@gmail.com. Learn more at https://www.facebook.com/events/1514745195487367/.

3. DISCOVER ISLAM
Tuesday, Mar 1, 12:00-2:00pm, Info Booth B 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.

4. ADULTS WITH ADHD SUPPORT GROUP
First Tuesdays, Mar 1, 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). The group is held on the first Tuesday of the month. This group is available to VT undergraduate students, graduate students, and faculty/staff.

5. FREE ANXIETY/OCD SUPPORT GROUP
Tuesdays, Mar 1, Apr 5, May 3, 6:30-7:30pm, GLC Room A
The Psychological Services Center is providing a free support group with monthly meetings 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. This group is available for undergraduate and graduate students.  Call the Psychological Services Center at 540-231-6914 with any questions.

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. GLC CAFÉ
Thursday, Mar 3, 3:30-5:00pm, GLC Reading Room
Enjoy free coffee, tea and cookies in the company of your grad student and Grad School colleagues. Relax, network, get caffeinated. Bring your own mug if you can. Celebrate the arrival of March with some special cookies this week!

8. GRADUATE ARTS COUNCIL PRESENTS: MIXER IN THE CUBE!
Thursday, Mar 3, 6:00-9:00pm, Moss Arts Center
Stop by the Moss Arts Center for some free food and music! The evening will be DJ’d by one of our very own, Ryan McHugh, spatialized over 134 loudspeakers in the Cube! Master’s students from various graduate programs will be there. Feel free to bring a friend. This is a great opportunity to explore the Cube, and also meet MFA colleagues and expand your network of friends and potential future collaborators.

9. KIDS NIGHTS OUT– NOTE TEMPORARY NEW LOCATION!
Thursdays, 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.

10. SPRING 2016 APPLICATION FOR DEGREE DEADLINE MAR 1
Spring 2016 graduates must electronically submit the Degree or Certificate Conferral Request online (in HokieSpa under Degree Menu) by Mar 1, 2016 for your name to appear in the Commencement Bulletin. PhD and EdD students must also include their dissertation title when submitting the Degree or Certificate Conferral Request for their name to appear in the bulletin. Without this title, your name will not be listed. The information entered electronically is used to order your diploma, so please ensure that the information is correct. A Degree or Certificate Conferral Request fee ($25.00) will be assessed to your student account after you submit your application for degree.

11. GSA GRADUATION CAP & GOWN RENTAL PROGRAM – closes Apr 8
Are you graduating with a master’s or doctoral degree this spring?  If yes, you might be eligible to borrow a free graduate cap and gown from the GSA! This program loans a limited number of graduation gowns and caps to graduate students participating in Spring 2016 graduation ceremonies. Caps and gowns must then be returned to the GSA after the ceremonies. Interested students should fill out a survey at https://blogs.lt.vt.edu/graduatestudentassembly/special-programs/gsa-graduation-gown-rental-program/ by Friday, Apr 8 at 5pm (EST) to be entered into a lottery. Rental recipients will be notified no later than Apr 13. Please note that all gowns have been dry cleaned but caps will not be cleaned due to their internal material. Contact GSA Events and Special Programs Chair Kisha Gresham at kiwi@vt.edu with questions.

12. GLOBAL EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS INVITED – 2nd posting
Virginia Tech’s Global Education Office is now accepting need-based scholarship applications for study abroad program participation in Summer and Fall semester 2016.  Visit www.globaleducation.vt.edu for more information on deadlines and the application process. 

13. SUBMISSIONS INVITED TO GLC PHOTO AND ART CONTEST – 2nd posting
The Graduate School invites submissions of art work and photography by graduate students for display in the GLC during Graduate Education Week (Mar 21-25) and beyond. Submissions are limited to three pieces (art and/or photography) per graduate student. Learn more at http://www.graduatelifecenter.vt.edu/contest/.  Submission deadline: Wednesday, Mar 16, 2016.

14. VOTE ON YOUR FAVORITE SLOGAN FOR GRAD ED WEEK 2016!
Vote on your favorite slogan or submit a new one at https://www.facebook.com/events/1677127289236409/. The slogan may appear on limited edition Graduate Education Week 2016 t-shirts and in other GEW advertisement materials.

15. BBURG MEN’S RUGBY CLUB LOOKING FOR PLAYERS – 1st posting
The Blacksburg Men’s Rugby Club is looking for new and experienced players. The Blacksburg Rugby Football Club (Blacksburg RFC) is a rugby union club that primarily draws players from the Blacksburg/Christiansburg/Radford region and competes at the Men’s Division III club level within the Capital Rugby Union. Players range broadly in terms of playing experience, athletic background, age, and level of commitment, so all interested players are very welcome to participate. If you are interested in seeing if the club would be right for you, contact president@blacksburgrugby.com and someone will get back in touch with you. Posted on behalf of doctoral student Sebastien Corner, scorner@vt.edu.

16. GRADS GOT TALENT – SAVE THE DATE: APR 8 – 1st posting
Grad students are invited to show off your talent(s)! The GLC Fellows are hosting a talent competition in early April. Mark your calendars, figure out your act, start practicing, and get ready for an awesome evening. For any questions, reach out to GLC Fellow Scarlet at scarlet7@vt.edu.

17. GRADUATE STUDENT ASSEMBLY ELECTIONS FOR 2016-2017: INQUIRE NOW!
If you are interested in student leadership and service, professional preparation, and networking opportunities outside your discipline, consider running for office in the Graduate Student Assembly! The GSA is the student government organization that advocates for all 7000+ graduate and professional students and provides representation to university leadership, small grants funding, an annual competitive research symposium, and social programming. Previous experience with the GSA is not required, and any main campus graduate student is eligible to run for office. If interested, you must declare your candidacy in person at the 3/17/16 meeting. Elections will be held during the 4/28/16 mtg. Officers begin their terms on 6/1/16. For a list of Executive Board positions/descriptions, times/dates of information sessions with current Officers, and more, visit http://tinyurl.com/gsa-elect. Contact gsa@vt.edu with questions.

18. RETURNED PEACE CORPS VOLUNTEER LISTSERV REGISTRATION – 2nd posting
The Campus Peace Corps Recruiter is currently updating the Returned Peace Corps listserv for the NRV. If you or anyone you know served in the Peace Corps and is living in the area, please have them fill out the following form so they will be invited to events in the area and might be able to serve on a panel to answer questions for new applicants: http://goo.gl/forms/wfm2xMdCKj or contact Cathie Bukowski, RPCV Honduras 2006-2009 at peacecorps@vt.edu.

19. PERFORMANCES INVITED FOR INTERNATIONAL STREET FAIR IN APR – 3rd posting
The performance sign up for the International Street Fair is now open! The Fair will be held on Sunday, Apr 17, 12:00-5:00pm. Please complete this online survey to sign up to perform:  https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_1TwSxhmjTprEpmt.

20. INVITATION TO ACROSSBORDERS@VT INTL LGBTQ+ GROUP – 3rd posting
AcrossBorders@VT is a group of international LGBTQ+ students/faculty/affiliates of Virginia Tech. The aim of the group is to provide a friendly space for the international LGBTQ+ population to discuss concerns about their sexuality and coming out, and support one another. Given that the international population comes from cultures different from the one(s) in the USA, the group aims to provide a more customized support to the international LGBTQ+ population. The group also ensures confidentiality and privacy of all members. If you are interested in attending meetings and/or events, or have questions, contact acrossborders.vt@gmail.com. Email us to join the secret Facebook group to connect with other international LGBTQ+ people.

21. 2016-2017 GLC FELLOW POSITION OPENINGS – 1st posting
Residence Life and the Graduate School are seeking motivated graduate students who are committed to building graduate community, for GLC Fellow positions for the 2016-17 academic year. An ideal candidate would have previous residence life and/or event planning experience, though it is not a requirement. Applicants must submit a formal cover letter, resume and letter of recommendation, and fully complete the following survey: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_8j2LrGqsi4kv4cB. Information about cover letter requirements is detailed in the survey and the full job description is at www.graduatelifecenter.vt.edu.  Apply by midnight on Sunday, Mar 27, 2016. Contact Lauren Surface at lkeister@vt.edu or Caraline Moholland at cmoholla@vt.edu  if you have questions.

22. TWO-YEAR GRA OPENING IN GENDER RESEARCH – 2nd posting
Applications are invited for a two-year Graduate Research Assistantship position beginning fall 2016 for a master’s student to support gender research in an international agricultural research project. The student must be accepted by the Graduate School and the Geography Department or the School of Public and International Affairs; must have background in social sciences; and be a US citizen. Application deadline: Apr 8. See details at: http://www.oired.vt.edu/job-listings/GraduateResearchAsst-WGD-JobListing2016.html.

23. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR RESEARCH STUDY ABOUT MENSTRUAL CYCLE AND FOOD CRAVINGS – 1st posting
Participants between the ages of 18-30 years, female, not currently taking hormonal birth control, not pregnant, have self-reported “regular” menstrual cycles are currently being sought for an IRB approved study on the relationship between the menstrual cycle and food cravings using the phone app Clue. Participants will be entered to receive $20 Kroger gift card in compensation. To participate or for more information contact Meredith Young at mjyoung@vt.edu.

24. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR RESEARCH STUDY ABOUT VIDEO CONFERENCING – 1st posting
Participants are sought for an IRB-approved study about video as a medium of communication, and specifically from the perspective of the feedback image. Must be at least 18 years old to participate. If you are interested, please contact grad student Shiwani Dewal for more information at shiwanid@vt.edu.

25. GRAD STUDENTS INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE BIG EVENT – 1st posting
John Tedesco and Tristen Asrejadid, co-directors of Student Outreach for VT’s The Big Event, invite graduate students to participate. The Big Event is a student-run community service effort that has grown into the second largest event of its kind in the nation. This year the event will be on Apr 9, and organizers set out a goal to recruit 10,000 volunteers. This is a great way to get involved and have fun with other graduate students (or undergrads!) while also working to help the local Blacksburg community. To make a team, go to http://vtbigevent.org/volunteer and follow the steps to create a team. Once the team is set up, you can share the name of your team (or the provided access code) with the rest of your friends or fellow graduate students for them to join. Contact the organizers at studentoutreach@vtbigevent.org with any questions.

26. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR SCISSOR DESIGN STUDY – 1st posting
Participants are needed for a study on the "Impact of Different Scissor Designs on Physical Demands and Performance." The experiment involves two sessions (one training ~1 hr, and one data collection ~2 hrs), and participants will be compensated $10/hr. Requirements: 18 -35 years old, right-handed only, must have normal or corrected to normal vision, and no current or recent (past 1 year) musculoskeletal injuries or other health conditions. For further information and scheduling, contact 786-450-0509 or aanuolu@vt.edu.

27. SURVEY PARTICIPATION NEEDED FOR PILOT TO EASE PARKING AT VT – 1st posting
Student researchers are trying to prototype a mobile application to ease the Commuter/Student parking on Virginia Tech campus. Please fill this 15 seconds survey to help with the process. Link: http://goo.gl/forms/vsVsqG41qf. For more information contact master’s student Namitha at snamitta@vt.edu.

28. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR RESEARCH STUDY ABOUT SOCIAL JUSTICE THINKING – 2nd  posting
Graduate students who are self-proclaimed social justice thinkers are invited to share their insights for an important study. Participation consists of a one-hour, confidential interview at the location of your choice. To participate in this study, please contact Veronica van Montfrans at vanmonv@vt.edu. Participants must be 18 years or older.

29. SURVEY PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR DIGITAL MEMORIALIZATION CONCEPT STUDY – 2nd posting
Participants are sought for an IRB-approved survey for a study on the concept of digital memorialization. What happens to digital artifacts after the owners or the originators have passed away? How can one best make use of the Internet to preserve the memories of loved ones? Digital artifacts may include social networking profiles, e-mail exchanges, blog posts, photographs, or even online repositories of scholarly work. If interested, access the survey online: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8qUmQXks6SdQDMV.  Responses are completely confidential. Some questions might be personal in nature. You may choose to skip the questions that you are not comfortable with. The investigators for this project are Dr. Deborah Tatar (dtatar@cs.vt.edu) and Amna Rafiq (amna@vt.edu).

30. VIOLINIST SOUGHT FOR GRAD STUDENT BAND – 3rd posting
A band made of a group of graduate students is looking for a violinist with experience with modern music. The band meets up every Thursday at 6:30pm and practices for a couple of hours. This band consists of a vocal, a drummer, a bass player and a key player; it does not adhere to any genre and members welcome all inputs as to what to jam next. Requirement: Must be able to meet every Thursday at 6:30pm; must have some experience with modern music; experience with improvisation is preferred; it would be even better if you have an electric violin. If interested, contact Ethan Smith, ethands@vt.edu.

31. SURVEY PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT ABOUT INVOLVEMENT IN STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS – 3rd posting
Would you like the chance to win a $25.00 gift card? Take this survey at http://tinyurl.com/Precareer for your chance to win!  A VT faculty member is seeking to know more about what activities you and other VT students choose to participate in.  In taking this survey you are helping with the extensive research of how your activities affect your life after college.  Any student in any major at VT can respond to the survey.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

SHORT STAT COURSES FOR GRADS BY LISA – SPRING SCHEDULE
LISA (Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis) provides a series of evening short courses to help graduate students use statistics in their research. These two-hour courses teach practical statistical techniques for analyzing or collecting data. See www.lisa.stat.vt.edu/?q=short_courses for instructions on how to register and to learn more.
Spring 2016 Schedule:

  • Tuesday, Mar 15, 4:00-6:00 pm: Comparing Means and Other Measures of Location between Two Populations by Significance Tests and Effect Size;
  • Tuesday, Mar 22, 4:00-6:00 pm: Data Analytics – Classification;
  • Tuesday, Mar 29, 4:00-6:00 pm: Basics of R;
  • Tuesday, Apr 5, 4:00-6:00 pm: Statistical Analysis Using R;
  • Tuesday, Apr 12, 4:00-6:00 pm: Better Data Visualization in R Using the ggplot2 Package;
  • Tuesday, Apr 19, 4:00-6:00 pm: Introduction to Web Scraping in R;
  • Tuesday, Apr 26, 4:00-6:00 pm: Introduction to Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) in JMP.

Follow LISA on Facebook (www.facebook.com/Statistical.collaboration) or Twitter (www.twitter.com/LISA_VT) to be the first to know about LISA events! Learn more at www.lisa.stat.vt.edu.

SOME SPRING BREAK EVENT FOR GRADS
One day next week, Mar 7-11, sometime between 8:00am-5:00, somewhere in or around the GLC
Next week is spring break, not that grad students will notice it much, other than for easier parking. But maybe you should take at least 30 minutes to an hour to relax and have fun with your grad student colleagues. What should the event be? Send your ideas and requests to Monika at gibsonm@vt.edu by Friday, Mar 4, and she will make something happen.