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. DISCOVER ISLAM
Tuesday, Apr 12, 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.
3. 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/.
4. 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.
5. RESEARCH A LA MODE PRESENTS: DEBUNKING FOOD & FOOD-SAFETY MYTHS
101
5:30-6:30 pm in the Museum, 2062 Derring
While Mark Twain is credited with saying that, “[t]he secret of success in life is to eat what you like and let the food fight it out inside,” realistically speaking, foodborne pathogens have the horrifying capabilities of wreaking havoc on your insides, your livelihood, and your life. There is a lot of information out there about food, but what are actually truths and what are myths? In this interactive talk, food-science graduate student Lily Yang will discuss the common misconceptions, truths, and myths surrounding food and food safety in order to keep yourself and your loved ones safe! Come for the talk and stay for free ice cream! Posted on behalf of doctoral student Lisa Whalen, lashley@vt.edu.
6. 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.
7. TURN YOUR PRESENTATION INTO AN ARTICLE: A WRITER’S WORKSHOP
Thursday, Apr 14, 9:00-10:30am, 3310 TORG
Friday, Apr 15, 1:00-2:30pm, 3310 TORG
The Writing Center is hosting these workshops to help graduate students turn their conference presentations into a journal article. The workshop will explore the similarities and differences of presentations and journal articles. You will then have the opportunity to turn your presentation into an article draft with guided support. Bring your presentation and laptop ready to work! Spaces are limited, so register early by emailing to Becky Morrison beckymor@vt.edu.
8. 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.
9. GLC CAFÉ
Thursday, Apr 14, 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.
10. 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.
11. 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!
12. INTERNATIONAL STREET FAIR
Sunday, Apr 17, 12:00-5:00pm, College Ave/Downtown Blacksburg
The International Street Fair is presented by Cranwell International Center and the Council of International Student Organizations. It celebrates the diversity of cultures present in our community by offering the sights, sounds, and tastes of the countries of origin of Virginia Tech’s students and scholars. Rain or shine, festivities will be on College Avenue, Draper Road, and Henderson Lawn.
13. 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.
14. CALL FOR PAPERS FOR SPECTRA – 1st posting
SPECTRA: the ASPECT journal is currently seeking initial abstracts for Issue 5.2 with the theme "Crisis and Transformation." Submissions may include digitized paintings, photographs, collages, podcasts, poems, short stories, internet-hosted texts, comics, videos, and other media with which to broadly engage topics of crisis and transformation– as well as traditional essay abstracts. Initial project descriptions/samples due Friday, Apr 15. Details can be found here: https://spectrajournal.org/index.php/SPECTRA/announcement/view/14. Posted on behalf of ASPECT student Jordan Laney.
15. CALL FOR APPLICATIONS TO INTERDISCIPLINARY SOCIETY MEMBERSHIP – 3rd 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.
16. GA OPENING IN OOIA FOR 2016-17 – 1st posting
The Office of Outreach and International Affairs is looking for a graduate student for the 2016-17 academic year to work up to 20 hrs/wk on implementing programs and projects that will support the vision of the associate VP for implementing international strategies, collaborations and programs, working collaboratively with a variety of individuals across the university. Preference given for a current master’s or doctoral student, excellent communication and writing skills; interest in international education administration, the ability to work effectively with faculty, staff and administrators; experience working with people of diverse cultures and nations; and the ability to organize, prioritize and leverage resources for multiple projects. To view the full position description and apply, go to https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cCjLnm9UKlabkVv. Applications are being accepted through Apr 22.
17. PAID PRACTICUM/INTERNSHIP POSITION IN ENGINEERING EDUCATION – 2nd 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.
18. GA OPENING IN GRAD SCHOOL OFFICE OF RECRUITMENT AND DIVERSITY INITIATIVES – 2nd 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.
19. SUMMER INTERNSHIP OPENING IN MAOP – 2nd 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.
20. ICTAS LOOKING FOR PT WEB AND GRAPHIC DESIGN ASSISTANT – 2nd 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.
21. LIBRARY SURVEY INVITATION FOR GRADS – 1st posting
Do you use the on-campus library? What about the Graduate Student Lounge on the 4th floor? Did you know it exists? The Library Committee is asking graduate students to respond to a very short survey at https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1459363094757 to share how this space is used and how it can be improved. The survey will close on Apr 25.
22. STEM GRAD STUDENT TRAINING & CAREER OPPORTUNITIES STUDY PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT – 1st posting
STEM grad students are invited to complete a survey to help researchers at Harvard figure out how training and employment goals of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) students and postdoctoral fellows can be addressed through programs and job creation. The survey takes 10-20 minutes to complete and the survey is available at https://harvard.az1.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_3wIMLGNvgeFfYUd&school=Virgina%20Tech. Participants may enter in a lottery for one of ten $100 Amazon gift cards through a link at the end of the survey. Information provided for the lottery will not be linked to your study responses and will be deleted after winners have been contacted. Researchers hope to publish survey results to help advise governments and education institutions regarding the creation of programs and jobs for STEM graduates like you. For more information contact Dr. Joey Pakes Nelson, pakes@fasmail.harvard.edu.
23. ANIMAL SUPPLIES AND ITEMS SOUGHT FOR VET SCHOOL FUNDRAISER – 1st posting
Graduate student Stamps Scholars at the vet school are collecting animal supplies and new or gently used shoes to benefit the Giles Animal Rescue. Rabbit bedding and food, cat litter, litter boxes, leashes, collars, harnesses, towels, and paper towels can be dropped off in the vet school cafeteria or in front of the main office in CMMID through Apr 15. The shoes will be used as a fundraiser in partnership with funds2orgs (funds2orgs.com) and can be dropped off at designated bins at: the vet school cafeteria, the lobby of Life Sciences 1, the lobby of ILSB at the CRC, or the main hall at CMMID through May 15. For more information, or to arrange pick up of any of these items, contact Anne Nichols (annen@vt.edu).
24. GRADUATE TEACHING ASSISTANTS SOUGHT FOR STUDY PARTICIPATION – 2nd 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.
25. INVITATION TO COMPLETE SURVEY ABOUT SHUTTLE BETWEEN BBURG AND NCR – 3rd 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.
26. PARTICIPATE IN BIENNIAL COMMUTER SURVEY – 3rd 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.
27. CHILDREN 8-12 WITH FREQUENT TEMPER OUTBURSTS SOUGHT FOR TREATMENT STUDY – 3rd 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.
28. INTERNATIONAL FEMALE PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR RESEARCH STUDY – 3rd 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:
SURVIVING YOUR FIRST JOB OR INTERNSHIP
Monday, Apr 18, 11:00am-12:00pm, Room 110 Smith Career Center
Thursday, Apr 28, 6:00-7:00pm, Room 110 Smith Career Center
Career Services hosts these workshops to share some not-so-obvious tips and advice on being professional, while incorporating real stories of employer feedback and previous Hokies who have had “unique” experiences on the job. Whether a job or internship has been secured or not — all students are welcome!
DIALOGUE WITH THE CREATORS OF “(BE)LONGING”
Monday, Apr 18, 2016, 5:30-7:00PM, Moss Arts Ctr, Merryman Family Learning Studio
Join guest artists Byron Au Yong (composer) and Aaron Jafferis (playwright) for this informal public dialogue and learn about their new project, (Be)longing, to be locally cast and presented by the center in March 2017. (Be)longing and related curricular and community activities will reflect on violence and school shootings and consider deeper ways to connect and build communities of safety and support. The team has conducted creative research in Blacksburg and in other locations for the past two years, with the center as a co-commissioner of the new work. Space for the Apr 18 dialogue is limited, so please register online at: http://tinyurl.com/belongingdialogue if you are planning to attend.
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 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.
TORGERSEN RESEARCH AWARD RECEPTION & PRESENTATIONS
Tuesday, Apr 19, GLC Multipurpose Room
Learn about the latest cutting-edge research in the College of Engineering at the Torgersen Graduate Student Research Excellence Award Ceremony and ask the researchers all your questions. Poster presentations 2:00-4:30pm, followed by an open reception at 5:00. The official ceremony is carded for 5:30-7:30pm and includes presentations by keynote speaker Dr. Michael Friedlander, and the competition finalists. For more information see http://www.gsc.eng.vt.edu/PET.html.
LIVING IN THE ANTHROPOCENE: SCIENCE SUSTAINABILITY AND SOCIETY
Thursday, Apr 21, 4:45-5:45pm, The Lyric
Dr. Josh Tewksbury is an ecologist, conservation biologist, and planetary health scientist with experience in academia and civil society. His work is focused on major global change issues, including the impacts of climate change on biodiversity and the impacts of species loss on ecosystem functions. This event is hosted by the Global Change Center at Virginia Tech. For more information contact Gloria Schoenholtz at schoeng@vt.edu.
SPRING RETREAT: "TRANSITIONS: WALKING IN FAITH THROUGH LIFE’S CHANGES"
Friday, Apr 22, 8:00pm through Sunday, Apr 24, 11:00am near Lexington, VA (1.5 hours from VT)
All VT graduate students are welcome to join a weekend of new friendships, indoor/outdoor recreation, Bible study and prayer in a relaxed setting away from campus. Cost is $35 (scholarships are available). Space is limited to 25 participants. Hosted by InterVarsity Graduate Christian Fellowship. For more information and to register online, visit <http://goo.gl/forms/3VV35LcWq2>. Contact Robert Howe at robahowe@gmail.com with any questions.
MARTIAL ARTS COUNCIL AND HELP SAVE THE NEXT GIRL PRESENT: SELF DEFENSE SEMINAR
Sunday, Apr 24, 5:00-8:00pm, Dance Room in War Memorial Gym
The seminar will touch on awareness, avoidance, body and fight mechanics, self-defense techniques, legal considerations, and dealing with the aftermath. The course will be co-taught by instructors from Bujinkan Taijutsu, Kodokan Aikido, MMA, and TaeKwonDo clubs. Bring exercise clothes and a water bottle. Gobblerconnect event:
https://gobblerconnect.vt.edu/organization/mac/calendar/details/941804; Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/1524793471163795/. Posted on behalf of doctoral student Jacob Monzel, jmonzel@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.
VT INTERCOM FACILITATOR TRAINING: DIALOGUES FOR SOCIAL CHANGE – register now!
Thursday-Sunday, May 19-22, 9:00am-5:00pm daily
The Intercultural Engagement Center invites applications for skill-based facilitator training with VTInterCom, a program that provides group dialogue opportunities for the VT campus and surrounding community. Facilitators will gain knowledge, strategies, and practice at facilitating discussions around inclusion, equity, oppression, institutional discrimination, social inequalities, and a broad range of contemporary issues such as sexism, racism, trans*phobia, heterosexism, ableism, poverty, cultural intolerance, and more. Participants receive facilitator curriculum, mentoring from trainers, and will be invited to remain part of the VTInterCom facilitator collective. Apply online at http://tinyurl.com/zw4fwpv by 12:00pm, Monday, Apr 18.