March 7-13, 2016

1.  WEEKLY WALK-IN SERVICES IN THE GLC – updated 3/7/16

  • Career Services advising: on hiatus during spring break
  • 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: on hiatus during spring break
  • Writing assistance: on hiatus during spring break

2. DATA MANAGEMENT BOOTCAMP THIS WEEK – register now!
Faculty, graduate students, administrators, and staff interested in learning more about data management issues and best practices are invited to participate in a Data Management Bootcamp sponsored by seven Virginia institutions, Mar 9-10, 2016. This free collaborative event will feature experts from across the state and will provide opportunities for local, hands-on practical experience. Register now at https://docs.google.com/a/vt.edu/forms/d/12xvvL6faceMT0ggvdihhXTzlvhKKM_lL8WA7S1k_kJc/viewform?c=0&w=1. For more info contact Andi Ogier at alop@vt.edu.

3. GAME NIGHT
Wednesday, Mar 9, 6:30-9:00pm, GLC Lobby
It is spring break, but for many grad students that just means more time for research and a better parking spot. But you are not alone! Attend a game night in the GLC Lobby area, hosted by InterVarsity Graduate Christian Fellowship. Posted on behalf of doctoral student Renee Pietsch, rpietsch@vt.edu.

4. GLC CAFÉ: SPRING BREAK EDITION WITH HOME-MADE COOKIES
Thursday, Mar 10, 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, and load up on caffeine and/or carbs. Bring your own mug if you can. Celebrate spring break with home-made cookies (bring some of your favorites if you want to share!).

5. SPRING BREAK SUNDAES WITH LIVE MUSIC!
Friday, Mar 11, 2:00-3:30pm, Grad School lobby and lawn
You are not alone! Join others who are working through spring break and enjoy some ice cream sundaes and live music by your fellow grads. We bring the ice cream and toppings, you bring the music! If you have an instrument and willingness to share your talent, come and jam on the Grad School patio! Register online at https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1457382328731.

6. SNEAK PEAK OF GRAD ED WEEK DESIGN – 1st posting
See the final logo and slogan for this year’s Grad Ed Week t-shirts and preview the upcoming programs at https://www.facebook.com/VirginiaTechGLC/ or http://graduateschool.vt.edu/GEW.

7. LUNCH WITH PRESIDENT SANDS – APPLY BY MAR 11
The Graduate Representative to the Board of Visitors invites members of the graduate student community to have lunch with President Sands to engage in a conversation around graduate education and the graduate student experience. This is a unique opportunity to ask questions and get answers directly from VT leaders. If you are interested in attending a lunch on Thursday, Mar 17, complete this survey at https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1447790241698 by Friday, Mar 11. If you have any questions, contact Mohammed Seyam at seyam@vt.edu.

8. GRAD RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT FUNDING CYCLE TO OPEN SOON – 1st posting
Do you have an awesome 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. PhD students can be awarded up to $1,000 and master’s students up to $750 to conduct their projects. The spring cycle for applications is Mar 21-Apr 1, 2016, with winners announced in early May.  Get more information and apply online through the GSA website: https://blogs.lt.vt.edu/graduatestudentassembly/graduate-research-development-program/. Contact GRDP Chair Hannah Lane at hglane07@vt.edu with any questions.

9. GLOBAL EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS INVITED – 3rd 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. 

10. SUBMISSIONS INVITED TO GLC PHOTO AND ART CONTEST – 3rd 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.

11. BBURG MEN’S RUGBY CLUB LOOKING FOR PLAYERS – 2nd 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.

12. GRADS GOT TALENT – SAVE THE DATE: APR 8 – 2nd 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.

13. 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.

14. RETURNED PEACE CORPS VOLUNTEER LISTSERV REGISTRATION – 3rd 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.

15. 3-MONTH WAGE POSITION OPENINGS FOR NEWS ANALYSTS – 1st posting
News analysts are responsible for reading news articles and extracting information from them. The list of news articles along with the guidelines for information extraction will be provided, and analysts will be trained on how to record the extracted information. Articles will be in Russian, Turkish, Arabic, Chinese and English languages, focusing specifically on political and national news. Read the full job posting and application requirements at http://dac.cs.vt.edu/job-opening/3-month-wage-position-as-news-analyst/. Apply by Mar 11. Contact Parag at parang@cs.vt.edu with questions.

16. 2016-2017 GLC FELLOW POSITION OPENINGS – 2nd 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.

17. TWO-YEAR GRA OPENING IN GENDER RESEARCH – 3rd 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.

18. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR RESEARCH STUDY ABOUT MENSTRUAL CYCLE AND FOOD CRAVINGS – 2nd  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.

19. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR RESEARCH STUDY ABOUT VIDEO CONFERENCING – 2nd 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.

20. GRAD STUDENTS INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE BIG EVENT – 2nd 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.

21. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR SCISSOR DESIGN STUDY – 2nd 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.

22. SURVEY PARTICIPATION NEEDED FOR PILOT TO EASE PARKING AT VT – 2nd 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.

23. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR RESEARCH STUDY ABOUT SOCIAL JUSTICE THINKING – 3rd 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.

24. SURVEY PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR DIGITAL MEMORIALIZATION CONCEPT STUDY – 3rd  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).

UPCOMING EVENTS:

OPEN EDUCATION WEEK 2016
Monday-Friday, Mar 14-18, Newman Library
Tuesday, Thursday & Friday events. Graduate students involved in teaching, the future professoriate, or those who want to share their original works with a wider audience without creating financial barriers for readers may be interested in attending the keynote, presentations and discussions. Keynote on Thursday, Mar 17, 12:30-1:45pm. More information and RSVP: http://www.lib.vt.edu/oer/oe-week/2016-oeweek.html.

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. This semester all courses will also be available via WebEx for distance attendees. 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.

UNDERSTANDING, NAVIGATING AND USING 4 EXISTING DATASETS (BLS, NCES, ASEE, Census) TO SUPPORT YOUR RESEARCH
Wednesday, Mar 16, 2:30-4:00pm, 207 Newman Library
Julia Ferrar will guest lecture and conduct a hands on session guiding you through 4 data bases. If you use or plan to use data from these data sources, you will find this session helpful. Seating is limited to the first 40 persons who register at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_1KNfwrlxNUCk8It.

ARE YOU LINKED IN?
Wednesday, Mar 16, 5:30-6:30pm, GLC Room G
Learn how to use LinkedIn effectively to build your professional network and harness its potential as you map your career. Presented by Career Services as part of the Graduate School’s professional development series.

WOMEN’S ALLIANCE MEETING
Thursday, Mar 17, 12:00-1:00pm, 2400 North End Center
The Virginia Tech community is welcome to join the conversation about critical needs of women at Virginia Tech. This is a great opportunity to have your voice heard and be involved in creating change and a more inclusive environment. RSVP to clyles@vt.edu. 

OUT AT WORK LGBTQ+ NETWORKING EVENT
Saturday, Mar 19, 4:00PM-6:00pm, Squires Brush Mountain A
Enjoy an afternoon of networking and hors d’oeuvres and listen to the keynote address by  Christian Matheis, visiting assistant professor of Government and International Affairs.  This event connects students with professionals to explore topics related to LGBTQ+ issues in the workplace. Undergraduate and graduate students are encouraged to attend. Please register in advance at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_dcIJaocB48FT4wZ. The event is free; Business casual/professional attire requested.  Direct questions to Latanya Walker at latanya@vt.edu.

NORUUZ PERSIAN NEW YEAR CELEBRATION
Saturday, Mar 19, 7:00-11:00pm, Owens Banquet Hall
Norooz (Nowruz, also known as Persian new year) is celebrated on the first day of spring in different countries such as Iran, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan. Norooz means new day, which brings the sense of renewal along with rich customs. The VT Iranian Society invites all grad students to join an evening full of presentation, music, and dance. Dinner will be served buffet style 7 to 8 pm. More information at: http://www.campuslife.vt.edu/tickets/events_and_tickets/index.html. Posted on behalf of grad student Yousef Jalali.