April 4-10, 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. 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.

3. 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).

4. 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.

5. DISCOVER ISLAM
Tuesday, Apr 5, 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. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. LISTENING TO BELIEF: LIVING IN AN INTERFAITH SOCIETY
Wednesday, Apr 6, 7:15-8:30pm, McBryde 328
Join a dialogue about living in an interfaith society. Hosted by Freethinkers at Virginia Tech and co-sponsored by InterVarsity Graduate Christian Fellowship.

10. GLC CAFÉ
Thursday, Apr 7, 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.

11. 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.

12. GSA SPRING BEER AND WINE SOCIAL
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. Contact Chelsea Corkins at ccorkins@vt.edu with any questions. RSVPs are appreciated, though not required, at https://www.facebook.com/events/238875233115004/.

13. GRADS GOT TALENT
Friday Apr 8, 6:00pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
Come out and cheer on your fellow graduate students as they perform their special talents. Acts range from singing to magic tricks. Snacks and refreshments will be available with a small donation. All proceeds will benefit Relay for Life so be sure to bring some cash to donate to this great cause! Students interested in performing can sign-up at the following link until Wednesday at 5pm: https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1457624448088. For any questions, reach out to GLC Fellow Scarlet at scarlet7@vt.edu.

14. CALL FOR APPLICATIONS TO INTERDISCIPLINARY SOCIETY MEMBERSHIP – 2nd 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.

15. PAID PRACTICUM/INTERNSHIP POSITION IN ENGINEERING EDUCATION – 1st posting
The Department of Engineering Education is seeking applications for an advising practicum or internship student for the summer. Wage appointment. See minimum requirements, job duties and application details at: http://www.enge.vt.edu/_files/undergraduate/advising_internship.pdf. 

16. GA OPENING IN GRAD SCHOOL OFFICE OF RECRUITMENT AND DIVERSITY INITIATIVES – 1st posting
The ORDI in the Graduate School seeks a full time graduate assistant to manage tours, email in response to inquiries, and plan events. Must have evidence of delivering excellent customer service, experience in managing events, strong communication skills, valid driver’s license and eligibility to drive fleet services vehicles, a strong attention to detail. Must be able to work Fridays and be able to start no later than Aug 10, 2016. Send resume/CV and cover letter addressing the above mentioned requirements to dannette@vt.edu by Tuesday Apr 12. 

17. SUMMER INTERNSHIP OPENING IN MAOP – 1st posting
The Multicultural Academic Opportunities Program (MAOP) is hiring 2 program assistants to provide support to the summer research internship program and work closely with MAOP staff. Assistants will also be assigned a group of interns to work with as first point of contact. Responsibilities:  Prepare notebooks for incoming interns; Transport students to and from the airport or bus station; assist with check in/out of residence hall; Ensure interns attend classes and workshops; Make presentations to interns about graduate; and more. Pay: $14/hr, approx. 20 hrs/wk plus additional programs. Must be U.S. Citizens or Permanent Residents. Apply online at: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5pQfheuNuHGPnyB. Contact Jody Thompson Marshall with questions at jodyt@vt.edu.

18. ICTAS LOOKING FOR PT WEB AND GRAPHIC DESIGN ASSISTANT – 1st posting
This position will provide web and design support for energy and materials initiatives at ICTAS, reporting to the faculty director and working closely with the communications team. Responsibilities include creation and maintenance of websites; development of scientific graphics for proposals; some graphic design work on printed materials; and related duties as assigned. The design assistant will work with colleagues to ensure that all materials maintain consistent design standards, and are compliant with VT branding policies. Flexible hours based on project needs, max 20 hrs/wk, $10/hour. Must have experience with WordPress and similar content-management platforms; basic familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite programs; ability to meet tight deadlines; great attention to detail; strong proof-reading skills; and an interest in conveying scientific information in an accurate and compelling manner. If interested, submit current resumé and three samples of work (including at least one website) to Jennifer Cacciola at jcacciola@vt.edu.

19. 2016-17 GRADUATE ASSISTANT OPENING IN NEWMAN LIBRARY – 3rd 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.

20. 2016-17 REFERENCE LIBRARY ASSISTANT POSITION OPENINGS – 3rd 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. 

21. GRAD INTERN POSITION OPENING – 3rd 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.

22. SENSORY PANEL PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR TILAPIA FILLET EVALUATION
Tuesday, Apr 5, 10:00am-4:00pm, Sensory Lab, HABB 1 (Washington Street)
VT food science researchers are conducting sensory evaluation to determine the consumer acceptability of healthier and nutritionally improved tilapia fillet. Participants must taste small portions of two different cooked tilapia fillets and determine how they prefer a sample over another, and whether one has stronger off-flavor than another. More than 60 people are needed to participate. Panels will take approximately 15-20 minutes to complete. Participants will receive free snacks after the completion. Must not have seafood sensitivity or known allergies to fish; must be 18 or older and regularly consumes white fish. For more information, email Hyun Sik S. Chu @ hyunsikc@vt.edu.

23. GRADUATE TEACHING ASSISTANTS SOUGHT FOR STUDY PARTICIPATION – 1st posting
Current or past Virginia Tech GTAs are sought to complete this 20-minute online survey about Autism Spectrum Disorders. Must be at least 18 years old to participate. Access survey at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_8AkFupnszC4wZkF. For more information, please contact Tyler Hassenfeldt at thassen@vt.edu. This message is posted on behalf of Reina Factor, rfactor@vt.edu.

24. INVITATION TO COMPLETE SURVEY ABOUT SHUTTLE BETWEEN BBURG AND NCR – 2nd 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.

25. PARTICIPATE IN BIENNIAL COMMUTER SURVEY – 2nd 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.

26. CHILDREN 8-12 WITH FREQUENT TEMPER OUTBURSTS SOUGHT FOR TREATMENT STUDY – 2nd 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.

27. INTERNATIONAL FEMALE PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR RESEARCH STUDY – 2nd 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.

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 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.

FULBRIGHT RECEPTION
Tuesday, Apr 12, 4:30–6:30 pm, University Club
The Office of the Provost and the Office of the VP for Outreach and International Affairs are hosting a Fulbright reception for all returned and current Fulbright scholars and students, as well as anyone interested in learning more about Fulbright opportunities. The Fulbright Program provides funding for US and foreign students, scholars, and professionals to undertake graduate study, advanced research, and teaching opportunities. The event is open to everyone but registration is required. Contact Betty Watts for more information or to RSVP by Friday, Apr 8 (bettyw@vt.edu), 231-7220.

GSA SPRING EVENT: PHD MOVIE & PHD MOVIE 2 SHOWINGS!
Tuesday, Apr 12, 7:00-10:00pm, GLC Auditorium
Love reading the PhD comics? Want to take a night off from study/research and laugh at how ridiculously hilarious graduate school can be at times? If yes, this event is for you! The GSA invites you to its showings of the PhD Movie (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SpZ5rS4KhOA) and PhD Movie 2 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yb2y_a7hL5M). The first movie begins at 7pm with the second movie beginning approximately at 8:30pm. A short intermission will be held between the two movies. This event will be repeated on Apr 27. Admission is free. Contact Chelsea Corkins at ccorkins@vt.edu with questions and check out the facebook event for more information: https://www.facebook.com/events/1173974775954419/.

PARENT SUPPORT LUNCH
Wednesday, Apr 13, 12:00-1:30pm, GLC Room G
Participants will hear from Dr. Elena Serrano, an expert in food systems and how they impact our ability to feed our families. As always, children are more than welcome, and spaces are limited, so please register at www.SignUpGenius.com/go/20F0E4FABAA28A1FF2-april as soon as possible. If you have any questions, email childcare@vt.edu.

FREE PLAY: "COCK" BY MIKE BARTLETT
Wednesday-Friday, Apr 13-15, 7:30pm, Theatre 101 (200 College Ave.)
Directed by MFA candidate Thomas Murray. When John takes a break from his longtime relationship with his boyfriend, he accidentally falls in love with a woman. Torn between the two, John doesn’t know which way to turn. As both his boyfriend and his girlfriend fight to keep him, this comedy around identity and sexuality ultimately asks, who is John? And what will his decision be? FREE tickets are available first-come, first-served nightly at Theatre 101.

TIE DYE AND TACOS
Thursday, Apr 14, 12:00-2:00pm, Graduate School Lawn
Join the GLC Fellows for tacos from Moe’s and tie-dye a shirt. Tacos and tie-dye materials will be provided but please bring your own shirt. If you are interested, register at: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_cxam6YWnUWz6wnj to help organizers plan the logistics more effectively. For any questions, contact Shiwani Dewal at shiwanid@vt.edu.

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.

LOAN REPAYMENT INFO SESSION
Friday, Apr 15, 12:00-1:00pm, GLC Room D or F (depending on interest)
Graduating in May?  Have questions about student loan repayment? Stephanie Breeding from VT University Scholarships and Financial Aid will discuss the loan repayment process as well as information on different repayment plans. Attend this session to learn about your options and try to make the best plan for the repayment of your student loans!

VT POLO MATCH – 2ND ANNUAL MERCEDES CUP
Sunday, Apr 17, 1:00-5:00pm, Alphin-Stuart Livestock Arena
The Polo Club is hosting the 2nd Annual Mercedes Cup, an exhibition polo match and wine tasting. Watch the Hokies take on the University of Virginia Cavaliers; experience the fast and furious game of polo, local wine and beer, and a variety of student organizations. Tickets are $10 with the wine tasting, $5 without. Doors open at 1:00pm with the main match starting at 2:00. The Polo Club is proud of all that they have accomplished, and hopes they can share the sport they love with the Blacksburg community. http://vtpoloclub.weebly.com/mercedes-cup.html. This message is posted on behalf of grad student Alie Lyon, lyonad@vt.edu.

ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH GRAD CONNECT LUNCH – register now!
Monday, Apr 25, 12:00-1:00pm, GLC Room G
Attendees will be able to connect with other students, professionals and community members that either identify with an Asian and/or Pacific Islander population or appreciate the various Asian and/or Pacific Islander populations. Attendees will be able to make connections and celebrate cultural accomplishments at Virginia Tech and in the New River Valley. Register online at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_6Klv7KM4K9wpiLz before 5pm on Monday, Apr 18. For questions, contact Whitley Johnson at whitley09@vt.edu.