March 28-April 3, 2016

1.  WEEKLY WALK-IN SERVICES IN THE GLC – updated 3/14/16

  • 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. UGANDA’S MELLOW MUSHROOM PERCENTAGE NIGHT
Monday, Mar 28, 5:00-9:00pm, Mellow Mushroom, Bburg
Come out to Mellow Mushroom and support the Uganda Project of Engineers Without Borders. All proceeds are going towards student travel this summer to work on solar panel systems at three site locations. You can dine in or get it to go, so no excuses; just tell them you’re participating in the EWB fundraiser! EWB-VT Uganda is a project that mainly focuses on solar power system installation in Central Uganda. Posted on behalf of grad student Tim Pierce, timomp13@vt.edu. See https://www.facebook.com/events/1678937005688618 for details.

3. DMV2GO MOBILE SERVICE ON CAMPUS
Tuesday, Wednesday, Mar 29-30, 9:00am-3:00pm, Litton Reeves parking lot
Take advantage of the DMV mobile unit coming to campus on Tuesday and Wednesday to get your DMV service needs taken care of without having to travel to Christiansburg.

4. ROANOKE GSA MEETING
Tuesday, Mar 29, 9:30am, VT Carilion Research Institute  R 3012
The Roanoke Graduate Assembly (RGSA) will be holding its first meeting on Tuesday at the Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute (VTCRI) in the third floor conference room, R3012. If you are graduate student working and/or living in Roanoke, you are encouraged to attend. If you have question, email Cameron Varano at cburk05@vt.edu.

5. DISCOVER ISLAM
Tuesday, Mar 29, 12:00-2:00pm, Info Booth A 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.

6. FINDING THE RIGHT FIT: TIPS FOR FINDING THE RIGHT ADVISOR AND MENTOR
Thursday, Mar 31, 12:15-1:30pm, GLC Room F
Facilitated by grad student ombudsperson Monique McKay, a panel of graduate students will discuss the ins and outs of finding the right advisor and mentor(s). Please register online at http://www.graduatelifecenter.vt.edu/ (registration will open Monday afternoon) if you are planning to attend.

7. GLC CAFÉ
Thursday, Mar 31, 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.

8. GRAPEVINE CONFERENCE: BEING BLACK IN WHITE SPACES
Thursday, Mar 31, 5:00pm, 335 Lavery Hall
The Grapevine Conference will host this student session with Dr. Stacey Pearson Wharton.  The program includes a light reception.  Please register at: http://survey.az1.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_cAwX7fERni3yjch

9. FREE CIVIL WAR FILM SCREENING: THE RETRIEVAL
Saturday, Apr 2, 1:00-3:00pm, The Lyric
History grad student Kevin Caprice invites all grads to this civil war film screening, sponsored by the Virginia Center for Civil War Studies. Lear more about the event at http://www.civilwar.vt.edu/wordpress/events/. Contact Kevin at caprice3@vt.edu with any questions.

10. RECOVERY COMMUNITY AT VT PRESENTS: COSMIC BOWLING AND DINNER
Saturday, Apr 2, 8:00-10:00pm, Black Cultural Center and BREAKZone
Dinner from Moe’s will happen in the Black Cultural Center and bowling will follow in the BREAKzone. Please RSVP to vtrecovery@vt.edu. See details at https://drive.google.com/a/vt.edu/file/d/0B-d7QALF6SXYUmZLNkJib3pnVFU/view?usp=drive_web.

11. CALL FOR APPLICATIONS TO INTERDISCIPLINARY SOCIETY MEMBERSHIP – 1st posting
The Interdisciplinary Research Honor Society (IDR) is accepting applications for membership through Friday, Apr 8. IDR promotes and facilitates interdisciplinary cooperation, research, and networking at VT and other universities. Currently there are more than 20 active members and IDR 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. Food is served at meetings! Any students, grad or undergrad, who are actively involved in research combining multiple disciplines are invited to apply. Detailed information 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. 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 academic regalia from the GSA through this program that loans a limited number of graduation gowns and caps to graduate students. Caps and gowns must then be returned to the GSA after the ceremonies. If interested, 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. All gowns have been dry cleaned but caps will not be cleaned due to their internal material. Questions? Contact GSA Events and Special Programs Chair Kisha Gresham kiwi@vt.edu.

13. NOMINATIONS ACCEPTED FOR CISO BOARD MEMBERSHIP – 2nd posting
Nominations are now open for Council of International Student Organizations (CISO) Board Members! To learn more about becoming a board member of CISO, the requirements, and to submit a nomination, visit: https://goo.gl/fbgLaz; nominations will be collected from Mar 14 through Apr 3. If you have any questions, contact Suzie Baker at sjbaker@vt.edu. 

14. GSA TRAVEL FUND SPRING CYCLE – deadline extended
If you’re planning to travel or have traveled to present your research at a scholarly conference between Jan 1 and Jun 30, 2016, consider applying for the Graduate Student Assembly’s Travel Fund Program (TFP). Master’s/doctoral students and domestic/international travel are all eligible. Applications accepted for the spring cycle through Sunday, Apr 3, 2016, 11:59pm. Visit the TFP website at http://blogs.lt.vt.edu/graduatestudentassembly/travel-fund-program/ for details and to apply. Read all the eligibility requirements and the FAQ and check out the GSA’s other programs and opportunities while you’re there! New this year: you will be required to submit a certification letter signed by your advisor, or committee member or department head, replacing the ‘proof of peer review’ requirement in previous application cycles. The certification letter will be provided by the TFP and posted on the application site.  Contact Marie Stettler Kleine or Omchand Mahdu, TFP Co-Chairs at gradtravelfund1516@vt.edu with questions.

15. CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS FOR THE GLC WEEKLY APRIL-1 SPECIAL EDITION!
Here is your opportunity to get published in a peer-viewed online weekly notice: Submit your fake event description, faux call for research subjects, and other nonexistent opportunities for graduate students for the April 1 special edition of the GLC weekly listserv posting. Exercise your imagination and writing skills and earn extra points (in the form of chocolates and candy in 117 GLC) for a creative event or research idea, succinct description, and completeness of details. Submission deadline: March 31, midnight. Send to gibsonm@vt.edu, with subject line: You are a fool.

16. 2016-17 GRADUATE ASSISTANT OPENING IN NEWMAN LIBRARY – 2nd posting
Newman Library is seeking one graduate assistant to work at the 2nd-floor Reference Assistance desk. The GA will work an average of 20 hours/week and receive a tuition waiver. Stipend will be determined by University Libraries. Hours determined upon hire. Must be able to work weekends and weeknights (until 12:00 midnight). Applications must include an application, current resume and cover letter. Submit to Lori Lee at ljlee@vt.edu by 5:00pm on Apr 15, 2016. Interviews will be scheduled in late April/early May.  Mandatory training of finalist will take place Aug 15-19, 2016.  A job description and application are online: https://graduateschool.vt.edu/financial/students.

17. 2016-17 REFERENCE LIBRARY ASSISTANT POSITION OPENINGS – 2nd posting
Newman Library is seeking 5-7 reference library assistants to work at the 2nd-floor Reference Assistance Desk. RLAs work an average of 8-12 hours per week at $15.00/hour. These wage positions do not include a tuition waiver. Hours will be determined upon hire. Must be able to work weekends and weeknights (until 12:00 midnight). Applications must include an application, current resume and cover letter. Submit to Lori Lee at ljlee@vt.edu by 5:00pm on Apr 15, 2016. Interviews will be scheduled in late April/early May. Mandatory training will take place August 15-19, 2016. A job description and application can be found here: https://graduateschool.vt.edu/financial/students. 

18. GRAD INTERN POSITION OPENING – 2nd posting
Advanced Research Computing (ARC) is seeking a grad intern to work with ARC scientists and corporate partner, Engility, to develop models and algorithms to support failure prediction on current High Performance Computing clusters within ARC. The successful candidate will work closely with research teams to understand different failure modes and derive statistical models and methods to predict failures. Duties will span from working with raw data to performing complex data analytics. Candidate will be responsible for: learning and using COTs analytic software as well as developing small applications to review data; provide project status updates and meeting pre-established deadlines. Must be self-starter and be able to work independently on projects and assignments. Internship to run Jun-Aug 2016. If interested, apply online at: https://careers-engility.icims.com/jobs/19041/high-performance-computing-%28hpc%29-researcher-intern/job.

19. INVITATION TO COMPLETE SURVEY ABOUT SHUTTLE BETWEEN BBURG AND NCR – 1st posting
The Office of Parking and Transportation in the Division of Administrative Services is asking all students, and employees, and community members to take a brief, five-question survey to help the university gauge interest in a shuttle from the Blacksburg campus to the National Capital Region. Complete the survey at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_b42QgNsos4Hkt1z.

20. PARTICIPATE IN BIENNIAL COMMUTER SURVEY – 1st posting
The Office of Alternative Transportation is conducting the second biennial Commuter Survey, the results of which will be used to inform alternative transportation decisions on the Blacksburg campus. It is critical that a significant portion of the VT community respond to this survey so that results can be regarded as statistically significant and thus viable expressions of wants and needs on campus. This is your opportunity to get your voice heard! Take the survey at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_9RmEIVGYUvFXyct. Send questions to office of Alternative Transportation at gettingaorund@vt.edu or (540) 231 2116.

21. CHILDREN 8-12 WITH FREQUENT TEMPER OUTBURSTS SOUGHT FOR 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.

22. INTERNATIONAL FEMALE PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR RESEARCH STUDY – 1st posting
Female international graduate students are sought for a VT IRB-approved research study regarding the individuals or groups that support you during the graduate school. Must be at least 18 years old to participate. The purpose of this study is to understand the communities of support for female international graduate students at VT.  Face-to-face interviews will be conducted in English and are expected to last between 45 and 60 minutes. If you are interested or have questions, contact graduate student Wejdan Almunive for more information at wejdan3@vt.edu or Dannette Beane at 540-231-6529.

23. THE BIG EVENT GRADUATE COMMUNITY TEAM – 2nd posting
The Big Event on Saturday, Apr 9 is a student-run community service effort where everyone comes together to complete hundreds of community service projects throughout Blacksburg, Christiansburg and the New River Valley to give a big thanks to the local community that always supports our university. This year the graduate fellows are putting together a team just for graduate students. If you would like to spend the day volunteering and giving back to the local community while meeting new graduate students,  join the "GLC Graduate Community" team by registering online at https://registration.vtbigevent.org/signup/index/joingroup/code/33086-00148 by Mar 31. If you have any questions, contact Scarlet Soult at scarlet7@vt.edu.

24. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR VALIDATING DIETARY ASSESSMENT METHODS – 2nd posting
HNFE’s Dietary Assessment Laboratory is conducting a study to determine the validity of new dietary intake assessment methods (questionnaires and biomarkers). Must be 18 or older to participate. The study involves 3 visits (over 2-week period) to the VT campus. Each visit will be less than 60 minutes. The study will include one blood draw and two 24-hour urine collections. Participants will be compensated a total of $75 upon successful completion of all study visits. For more information contact Emily in the Dietary Assessment Laboratory at 540-231-4386 or eamyers@vt.edu.

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. This semester all courses will also be available via WebEx for distance attendees. Remaining Spring 2016 Schedule:

  • 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.

AFRICANA STUDIES PRELIM
Monday, Apr 4, 9:00-11:00am, 566 BcBryde
Doctoral student Devon Lee invites you to his prelim exam, open to the public, on Black: history, perspectives and disciplinary considerations for Africana Studies. Concepts such as Afrocentricity, paradigm, interdisciplinarity and diaspora will be the focus of exam questions. Feel free to bring questions and conversation on Black history, identity, sexual politics and activism. Contact Devon at devonlee@vt.edu with questions.

JEWISH CULTURAL MONTH CONNECT LUNCH
Monday, Apr 4, 12:00-1:00pm, GLC Room G
Attend this luncheon to celebrate Jewish culture on VT campus and enjoy a space where graduate students, faculty, staff and administrators can fellowship, network and connect with one another. Visit https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_eFg6HKObE6r9hB3 to register. Contact Whitley Johnson at whitley09@vt.edu with questions.

DISTILLING YOUR MESSAGE: 5 YEARS OF RESEARCH IN 30 SECONDS!
Monday, Apr 4, 1:00-2:30PM, GLC Room B
At this workshop you’ll be invited to think about how a quick response to "what do you do?" can convey your enthusiasm, engage people’s interest, and lead to more conversation. You will participate in exercises designed to help you distill years of work into a short and vivid summary. Register online at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3kJdMFs1tnHB189 if you are planning to attend. This event is part of the Graduate School’s spring professional development series.

VIRTUAL CAREER FAIR
Monday-Tuesday, Apr 4-5
SEC & ACC Schools work together to bring you this great opportunity to interact via chat sessions and meet employers recruiting talent across all majors and degrees!  Registration and participation are free! More details and registration available at https://www.careereco.com/events/secacc.

INTL FULBRIGHT OPPORTUNITIES INFO SESSIONS
Monday, Apr 4, 6:00–7:30pm, GLC Room C
Tuesday, Apr 5, 3:00–4:30pm, GLC room B
Wednesday, Apr 6, 9:00–10:30am, GLC room C
The Fulbright program offers US citizens funding opportunities for independent research/study projects, graduate degree enrollment, and English teaching assistantships in more than 130 countries. The application cycle opens Mar 31.  Eligible applicants include graduating seniors, recent graduates, master’s and doctoral candidates, and young professionals with up to 5 years of professional study and/or experience. Info sessions will be held For more information, contact Betty Watts (bettyw@vt.edu; 231-7220).

GLC MOVIE NIGHT: INCEPTION
Monday, Apr 4, 7:00-9:00pm, GLC Lounge
Come to the April Movie Night to watch "Inception"! The Graduate Fellows will be hosting the night of your dreams (HA!) with this amazing movie along with food, fun, and laughs. If you have any questions, email Kevin Parker at kmpark07@vt.edu.

MANAGING YOUR SCHOLARLY PUBLISHING CAREER
Tuesday, Apr 5, GLC 3:00-5:00pm, Room F
Learn the basics of scholarly research, writing and publishing. This workshop will cover a range of topics including data management, preparing a thesis or dissertation, getting published, and raising your scholarly profile. Register online at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cvWIsDL3DEIJAhv if you are planning to attend. Brought to you by VT Libraries, this event closes the Grad School’s spring professional development series.

HISPANIC/LATINO RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM – register now to present and/or attend
Wednesday, Apr 6, 12:00pm-5:00pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
The symposium features the research of Hispanic/Latino students and research topics that are related to Hispanic/Latino issues. Students, faculty, and staff attend and network around these topics and build a stronger sense of community. Refreshments available. Contact Dannette gomezds@vt.edu by Mar 30 if you’d like to present. Register to attend at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_6llAMxdOQWNPhNb.

INVENTING YOUR FUTURE THROUGH YOUR PROFESSIONAL & PERSONAL BRAND
Wednesday, Apr 6, 6:00-7:00pm, Fralin Auditorium
Listen to and learn from experts in the fields of communications, marketing, and branding on how to develop your own brand and professional skills, no matter your field. For more information, visit www.career.vt.edu or call 540-231-6241.

GRAD STUDENT PLAY: SETNET
Thursday-Saturday, Apr 7-9, Theater 101
See an original play written and directed by MFA student Naphtali Leyland Fields. Setnet is the story of the fishermen on Wolf Island in remote Alaska, who are trying to survive another salmon season and each other. It is a raucous adventure play that includes a cappella singing. Bossman has been fishing on Wolf Island for 40 years, but nothing prepared him for the events of last summer. A fire burned down his cabin and his wife ran away. He, his daughter, and their greenhorn crew have to keep fishing through a season of bad luck, difficult weather, and ominous signs that maybe the misfortune they are encountering is not as accidental as it seems. Tickets are free but donations of non-perishable food items for the Blacksburg Food Pantry are encouraged. Reserve your tickets at: https://www.eventbrite.com/myevent?eid=22220921374.

GSA SPRING BEER AND WINE SOCIAL – register now!
Friday, Apr 8, 5:00-9:00pm, University Club
The GSA invites you to its spring beer and wine social, which will once again showcase local, national, and international beer and wine, while providing graduate students the opportunity to network among researchers and colleagues. Bring proper identification for those 21+ who wish to drink. Admission: $10 for general, $5 for GSA delegates, and $5 for non-drinking participants. This event is cash only and open to the public. Want to gain free admission? Volunteer to help with the event! If you are interested in volunteering, contact Chelsea Corkins at ccorkins@vt.edu. Registration is appreciated, though not required, at https://www.facebook.com/events/238875233115004/.

BRING YOUR KIDS TO SCHOOL DAY!
Friday, Apr 15, 8:00-11:00 various locations, 11:15-1:30 Grad School lawn to Drillfield
Help raise awareness of infant- and child-care needs on campus by taking your child(ren) to your office/lab/class or other work area (check with your department to ensure safe arrangements; departments have been invited to participate) in the morning, then join other participants on the Grad School lawn at 11:15 to march together to the Drillfield where the event will conclude in a family picnic and remark by Dr. Laura Sands. This event is sponsored by the Graduate School. Some festive supplies will be provided and participating children may leave their hand prints on a banner. Contact Marin Riegger at mriegger@vt.edu with any questions.