April 25 – May 1, 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. ANDREA GIBSON: POETRY, GENDER NORMS, SOCIAL JUSTICE
Monday, Apr 25, 7:00pm, Haymarket Theater, Squires
Poet and activist Andrea Gibson discusses gender norms, social justice concerns, LGBTQA+ issues and obstacles. “Gibson has headlined prestigious performance venues coast to coast with powerful readings on war, class, gender, bullying, white privilege, sexuality, love, and spirituality. Her work has been featured on the BBC, Air America, C-SPAN, Free Speech TV and in 2010 was read by a state representative in lieu of morning prayer at the Utah State Legislature. Brought to you by Virginia Tech Union.

3. DISCOVER ISLAM
Tuesday, Apr 26, 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.

4. GMOs AND YOU: A SCIENCE-BASED PANEL DISCUSSION ON GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS
Tuesday, Apr 26, 6:00-7:30pm, Litton Reaves Hall 1670 (main auditorium)
The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Graduate Student Council is hosting this panel on genetically modified organisms. Food and refreshments will be provided. Learn the facts from Virginia Tech faculty experts about how the use of genetically modified organisms affect your diet, animals, the environment, and social and economic health! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/1722797324602671/. Posted on behalf of grad student Lily Yang.

5. COKIE ROBERTS LECTURE & BOOK SIGNING: CAPITAL DAMES – THE CIVIL WAR AND WOMEN OF WASHINGTON
Tuesday, Apr 26, 7:30-9:30pm, The Lyric
Join history grad student Kevin Caprice and Dr. Quigley for this free lecture sponsored by the Virginia Center for Civil War Studies. The lecture will be followed by a Q&A and book signing. For more information visit http://www.civilwar.vt.edu/wordpress/events/. Posted on behalf of Kevin Caprice, caprice3@vt.edu.

6. SHORT STATS COURSE FOR GRADS: ITRO TO MULTIVARIATE ANALYSIS OF VARIANCE (MANOVA) IN JMP
Tuesday, Apr 26, 4:00-6:00pm; 1100 Torgersen Hall
MANOVA is a way to test hypothesis on two or more dependent variables. Taught by Sumin Shen, the goal of this short course is to provide a guide to MANOVA for researches who are interested in multivariate method analysis. MANOVA is an extension of ANOVA in terms of the number of dependent variables. When there are more than one dependent variable, MANOVA is one of the methods to be considered. The JMP software will be used in this course. Visit http://www.lisa.stat.vt.edu/?q=short_courses to learn more and register.

7. GSA BREAKZONE EVENT: FREE BOWLING, POOL, PING PONG, AND VIDEOGAMES
Tuesday, Apr 26, 5:00-8:00pm, BreakZone in Squires Student Center
Free event! Join the Graduate Student Assembly for a free night of bowling, pool, ping pong, and videogames! Bring your Hokie ID and enjoy unlimited play throughout BreakZone. This event is open to all VT graduate and undergraduate students. For more details, check out the Facebook event at https://www.facebook.com/events/177593815967752/ or email Chelsea Corkins at ccorkins@vt.edu.

8. GSA SPRING EVENT: PHD MOVIE & PHD MOVIE 2!
Wednesday, Apr 27, 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. Admission is free. Contact Chelsea Corkins at ccorkins@vt.edu with questions.

9. TILAPA FILET SENSORY STUDY
Thursday, Apr 28, 10:00am-4:00pm, Sensory Lab, HABB 1 (1230 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 5-15 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.

10. GLC CAFÉ
Thursday, Apr 28, 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. LAST KIDS’ NIGHT OUT OF THE SEMESTER
Thursday, Apr 28, 6:00-8:30pm, Women’s Center (206 Washington St)
Any 2-12-year-old  child of a VT student (must be toilet trained) pay participate. Games, snacks and activities provided! Contact Jessie Meltsner  (jmelts@vt.edu) for more information.

12. SURVIVING YOUR FIRST JOB OR INTERNSHIP
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!

13. WOMEN’S AND GENDER STUDIES CONFERENCE: DIGITAL FEMINISMS
Friday, Apr 29, 9:00am-5:00pm, 310 Kelly Hall
You are invited to the free Women’s and Gender Studies Conference – come support your fellow graduate students as they present original research on the topic of feminism in the digital age! Breakfast will be available beginning at 8 am, lunch is also provided. Full schedule at www.twitter.com/katrinapowell; www.facebook.com/wgsatvt. Posted on behalf of grad student Katie Ayers.

14. GRAD ART COUNCIL ART SHOWCASE
Friday, Apr 29, 8:00pm, Theatre 101 (200 College Ave–across from Gillie’s)
The Graduate Arts Council is proud to present its First Annual Art Showcase! This evening of live performance and diverse curated displays will feature graduate work in film, theatre, experimental performance and installation art, print media, 3D art, readings and paintings. There will even be a magic show! This event is free and open to the public and will be followed up with a display at the GLC.

15. GRADUATE STUDENT RESEARCH PICTURES NEEDED – 1st posting
The Graduate School is creating slideshows to display before and during commencement on the video boards in Cassell Coliseum. Photos are needed that show graduate students in action and shares your graduate student experience – anything from research to graduate student life. Email photographs to grads@vt.edu by Friday, Apr 29.

16. APPLICATIONS INVITED FOR GRAD HONOR SYSTEM CHIEF JUSTICE POSITION – 1st posting
The Graduate Honor System is searching for a new chief justice for the 2016-17 academic year. Applicants must meet the following criteria: (1) be a graduate student in good standing who has been in residence for a minimum of one semester; (2) be able to serve as Chief Justice for at least one year while enrolled full-time in the Blacksburg campus. Preferably applicants should have experience as a GHS investigator or panelist. To apply, submit a statement of interest, resume, and one letter of reference to gibsonm@vt.edu by Monday, May 16. The new Chief Justice will be selected by a committee and ratified by the Graduate Student Assembly and the Commission on Graduate Studies and Policies before final appointment by the president.

17. INTERLOPER SEEKING CONTRIBUTORS – 1st posting
The Interloper, Virginia Tech’s LGBT magazine, is looking for enthusiastic, hard-working contributors for its 5th issue. Editors, writers, artists, photographers, and designers are needed. If you are interested in getting involved, please email Maggie Nanney at theinterlopervt@gmail.com.

18. CALL FOR PLEDGES OF SUPPORT TO “GREEN GRADS OF VT” – 1st posting
If you would like to participate in the Office of Sustainability’s program “Green Graduates of Virginia Tech,” send a quick blurb of how you pledge to support a sustainable world and a photo of yourself (think “Humans of New York” project or just your standard selfie) to the “Green Graduates of Virginia Tech” facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Green-Graduates-of-Virginia-Tech-465341976985523/timeline or to kshepard@vt.edu and they will post the photo for you, along with your name, major(s), and college(s). Participants will receive a free green sustainability cord for graduation! Green cord pickup will be available Tue-Thu May 10-12, Squires Info Desk A  10:00am-2:00pm as well as at the Grad Bash on Wed May 11, 3:00-6:00pm. Posted on behalf of grad student Katy Shepard.

20. SUMMER AND FALL REGISTRATION OPEN FOR GRAD CHILD CARE COOP – 2nd posting
The Little Hokie Hangout cooperative child care center is now enrolling for Summer and Fall 2016. Spaces are limited for this summer term, and are expected to fill quickly, so please don’t wait! Students enrolled in Summer session have priority for Fall enrollment. Please email Marin Riegger, Child Care Coordinator, at mriegger@vt.edu with any questions or to schedule a tour.

21. CALL FOR NOMATIONS FOR ETD INNOVATION AND ETD LEADERSHIP AWARDS – 2nd posting
Nominations are accepted for both the ETD innovation award and the ETD Leadership award. Online nomination forms available at http://goo.gl/forms/LfISsu5ccl for ETD innovation and at http://goo.gl/forms/cRz6T1mf5O for ETD leadership. The innovation award is now available to current students working on a thesis or dissertation in hopes that the award can assist in the creation of innovative ETDs. For the complete criteria visit: http://www.ndltd.org/ndltd-awards/award-nominations. Deadline for nominations is May 31, 2016.

22. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR STUDY ON MUSCLE METABOLISM & DIET – 1st posting
Volunteers are needed for a study examining how diet influences muscle metabolism. Must be: 18-40 years old; females must be on monophasic oral contraceptive and not pregnant; not currently taking any medications (other than above); non-smokers; without any major medical problems; willing to eat a high fat diet for 5 days. Participants will receive extensive health information and up to $400 to compensate for your time.  If you meet the above requirements and are interested in participating, contact Mary Elizabeth Baugh or Elaina Marinik at the VT Human Integrative Physiology Laboratory: westerndiet@gmail.com  website: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_eKX222gpcgRqZLv.

23. TEENAGE PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR SURVEY ON ADOLESCENT STRESS – 1st posting
The VT Sibling Research Lab is conducting a survey on adolescent stress for teens (ages 12-18) who live at home with at least one brother or sister. The survey takes 15-20 minutes to complete and is accessible at https://redcap.vtc.vt.edu/surveys/?s=FXHFAPTFDF. Participants may receive an Amazon gift card. Contact Dr. Carolyn Shivers (shivercm@vt.edu) if you have any questions.

24. GRADUATE EDUCATION WEEK SURVEY INVITATION FOR GRADS – 1st posting
Do you have great ideas for events that can be included in Graduate Education Week in the future? Did you participate in Graduate Education Week this semester and have useful suggestions or feedback for the Graduate School? Please help us plan for next year’s events by participating in our survey and giving us your valued ideas and feedback at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_e537pTqwa3EEN9z

25. FEMALE STEM GRAD STUDENTS SOUGHT AS PRESENTERS FOR SUMMER CAMP IN ROANOKE – 1st posting
The Science Museum of Western Virginia (SMWV) in downtown Roanoke is hosting two summer camps for female students in grades K-5 to promote women in STEM fields. SMWV seeks women professionals actively involved in STEM disciplines as guest lecturers or presenters to provide a 45-60 minute presentation and hands on activity. Camp dates: Girls K-2 Jun 13-17; Girls grades 3-5 Jun 27-Jul 1. SMWV is seeking women who are willing to work with the museum’s educators to present topics in a way that would allow students to grasp the information, serve as female role models actively involved in a STEM field with a secondary goal of conveying the fundamentals of some STEM disciplines. If interested, contact Hannah Weiss, hweiss@smwv.org.

26. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR INFO DISPLAY STUDY – 1st posting
The effects of different types of information display (i.e. paper-based system, head-down, and head-up display) on walking behaviors will be investigated. Participants will be asked to perform a cognitive task while walking on a treadmill. Different display types will be also used. Must be age 18-35; no current or recent history (1 year) of musculoskeletal problems; must have normal or corrected to normal vision; fluent in English; have a smartphone or experience in using smartphones. Participants will be asked to perform walking tasks with different information presentation methods in a laboratory setting in the ISE department. Two sessions (preliminary & data collection).         Compensation: $10/hr, ~ 30 min for preliminary session; ~2.5 hrs in experimental sessions. Call or email Mr. Alireza Sedighi if interested: 540-394-8441; sedighia@vt.edu.

27. ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION COMMUTER SURVEY STILL OPEN – 1st posting
The VT Alternative Transportation office is conducting a biennial Commuter Survey, the results of which will inform transportation decisions on the Blacksburg campus. Make your opinions and needs heard, take the survey and share it widely: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_9RmEIVGYUvFXyct. Send questions to gettingaround@vt.edu or call (540) 231 2701.

28. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR STUDY ON USER EXPERIENCE IN WEB-BASED IMMERSIVE ENVIRONMENT – 2nd posting
Participants are sought for a comparative pilot study on user experience for navigation and object selection in web-based immersive environment. The study involves one 60-min session per participant; 20 minutes for actual usability testing and 40 minutes for briefing, training and filling out required forms. Participants will have a chance to win a  $10 Campus Bookstore gift card (a winning chance of 1 in 10). Must be 18 years or older. For further information and scheduling, contact: Chandani Shrestha at chandani@vt.edu.

29. LIBRARY SURVEY INVITATION FOR GRADS – 3rd 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.

30. STEM GRAD STUDENT TRAINING & CAREER OPPORTUNITIES STUDY PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT – 3rd 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.

31. ANIMAL SUPPLIES AND ITEMS SOUGHT FOR VET SCHOOL FUNDRAISER – 3rd 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).

UPCOMING EVENTS:

TECHNICAL SEMINAR WITH DIAVOLO – ARCHITECTURE IN MOTION
Wednesday, May 4, 1:30-2:30pm, Balcony Lobby, Moss Arts Center
Speak with the artists of Diavolo|Architecture in Motion as they lead an in depth discussion about the inspiration, design, construction, and mechanics of the elaborate architectural pieces at the center of their work. To register email Donna Thompson at tdonna27@vt.edu.

DIVERSITY SPOTLIGHT: DIVERSITY SCHOLARS PRESENTATIONS
Thursday, May 5, 12:00-1:30pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
The Graduate School is hosting the 6th Annual Diversity Spotlight event featuring Diversity Scholar projects. Lunch is provided so please register at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_eyrIV2bZEV6XfOR#sthash.KgxGLdCq.dpuf. Contact Dannette Beane at gomezds@vt.edu for more information.