1. WEEKLY WALK-IN SERVICES IN THE GLC – updated 7/18/16
- Career Services advising: on hiatus for the summer
- Cook Counseling: F 1:00-5:00pm, Green Room
- Graduate School regular hours: 8:00am-5:00pm; summer hours of 9:00am-4:00pm to begin 5/16/16
- Immigration advising hours: MWF 1:00-5:00pm, TTh 9:00am-12:00pm; summer hours begin 5/16/16
- Writing assistance: on hiatus for the summer
2. GSA WELCOME BACK BBQ
Wednesday, Aug 17, 5:00-8:00pm, GLC Lawn
The Graduate Student Assembly invites you to its annual barbecue for new and returning graduate students and their families! This year’s barbecue will be catered by the Hethwood Market. Vegetarian options will be available. The Welcome Back BBQ is a great opportunity to meet graduate students from other fields, make new friends, and play cornhole and other fun outdoor games. Contact Kisha Gresham at kiwi@vt.edu with any additional questions.
3. OVERLEAF WORKSHOP
Wednesday, Aug 17, 10:00-11:00am and 2:00-3:00pm, Newman Library Classroom 207A
Overleaf is an online tool for creating, editing, and sharing scientific research. The University Libraries are considering a proposal from Overleaf to provide free Overleaf Pro accounts to all VT students, faculty, and staff. VT would have its own institutional portal, VT Overleaf Commons, just like those at Caltech, Stanford, and Purdue. If you are a current Overleaf user or want to learn about this powerful LaTeX-based writing and publishing tool, attend one of the workshops on Aug 17 led by representatives of Overleaf. Pick the time that works best for you, learn more about Overleaf, and give the library your feedback! For more information, please contact Peter Potter (pjp33@vt.edu). Register here: https://goo.gl/forms/hAgb1YVwoLM1I0ss2.
4. HEALTH INSURANCE SIGN-UP
Thursday, Aug 18, 2-4:30pm, GLC Lobby
Friday, Aug 19, 10am-1pm, GLC Lobby
Stop by the GLC Lobby to sign-up for student health insurance with Aetna and ask representatives any questions you may have.
5. MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME
Thursday, Aug 18, 4:30-6pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
Attend this relaxed social event to connect with faculty, staff, new and returning students and resources that can help you succeed in graduate school and maintain a healthy life balance. Free refreshments for all; door prizes for new students! Sign up online at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_bjvHXPnt2hGor1b if you are planning to attend. This event replaces the weekly GLC café just this one time. The café will return next week on its regular 3:30-5:00 schedule.
6. GRAD 5144: COMMUNICATING SCIENCE COURSE OFFERED – 1st posting
The course uses theatre improvisational games and interview and writing exercises to help participants become more comfortable with and effective at communicating their research to those outside their specialties. Although its emphasis is on communication to non-scientists, students who have completed this course report that their presentations for committee meetings, lab meetings, and professional association conferences improve as well. To accommodate the cycle of work in grad students’ lives at the beginning and end of the semester, the course (2 credits) is compressed into ten sessions. This fall, both an afternoon section and an evening section are available. Contact Carrie Kroehler (cjkroehl@vt.edu) if you have questions.
7. GRAD 5984: PROFESSIONAL DIGITAL IDENTITY SEMINAR
Have you been meaning to create a personal website but don’t know how to get started? Intimidated by the thought of publishing your scholarship online? Unsure about how to manage your social media presence when you begin looking for a job? If so, read on! A new 2-credit course will meet once a week (Thu 6-8 pm) to discuss readings about “the digital self,” identify best practices for maintaining an online identity in your fields, and get hands-on experience with web publishing and social media tools. You don’t need to have any special technical skills to take the course. This course can be used as elective credits for the Preparing the Future Professoriate certificate, and you can choose a graded or pass/fail option. If you have any questions before you register, contact Quinn Warnick: qwarnick@vt.edu.
8. THE GRADUATE STUDENT ASSEMBLY WELCOMES YOU TO A NEW YEAR
The Executive Board of the Graduate Student Assembly (GSA) would like you wish you a successful and enjoyable new year and extend special greetings to new students. The GSA is the student leadership body that advocates for you, provides you with opportunities for networking and socializing with fellow grad students, and can offer small grant funding for your research endeavors and conference travel. In the past few years, student participation in the GSA’s activities and programs has soared to new heights, and they hope to continue this trend, so look out for announcements from them on this bulletin. Also, check out their community web space (gsa.vt.edu), and like them on Facebook (@VTGraduateStudentAssembly), follow them on Twitter and Instagram (@vtgsa)! If you have questions/concerns or are interested in getting involved, email gsa@vt.edu.
9. APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED FOR TRAVEL SCHOLARSHIP FOR OPENCON2016 – 2nd posting
The Graduate School and University Libraries are co-sponsoring a travel scholarship to attend OpenCon 2016, Nov 12-14 in Washington, DC. Learn more about the application and apply by Sep 20 at https://secure.opencon2016.org/referral/virginiatech. OpenCon is a conference focused on learning about open access, open data, and open education. The current application process is only for Virginia Tech graduate students; if you applied through the conference-wide process that ended July 11 but were not accepted, you will be automatically included in this round, which closes September 20. Two recipients will be selected based on their responses by the scholarship sponsors, the VT Graduate School and the VT Libraries.
10. ON-CAMPUS GRAD HOUSING STILL AVAILABLE – 3rd posting
On-campus Graduate housing and dining options are still available! Email housing@vt.edu to request a contract for a space in the residential section of the Graduate Life Center. Spots are limited! Graduate housing offers are made from the waitlist on a first-come, first-served basis until the spaces are filled. Please contact the Housing and Residence Life office at (540)231-6205 or housing@vt.edu for any questions or to request graduate on-campus housing.
11. GSA SEEKING 2016-17 PROGRAM CHAIRS – 3rd posting
The GSA is currently accepting applications for this year’s program chairs! Chairs are interviewed and appointed by the Executive Board officers. Responsibilities include implementing the GSA’s programs, attending board and delegate meetings, and volunteering at GSA-sponsored events. Program chairs develop leadership skills and can add unique professional experiences to their CVs. Currently the GSA is seeking one Travel Fund Program chair, two Research Symposium chairs, one Graduate Research Development Program chair, and one Funding Programs chair. All chairs will work under the supervision of the Executive Board. Position descriptions are available at tinyurl.com/gsa-chairs. To apply, email your CV, the name of the position to which you’re applying, and a brief (1 page or less) letter of interest in Word format to Kasey Richardson, Administrative Director, at kasey@vt.edu. No prior experience with the GSA is required. Applications must be received by Friday, 8/19 at 5pm.
12. PAYROLL-DEDUCTION REGISTRATION OPEN FOR GRAD ASSISTANTS – still posting
Grad students on assistantship appointment may pay their comp and CFE fees through payroll deduction. Enrollment for this option is now open on Hokie SPA. Lear more at http://graduateschool.vt.edu/financial/assistantships#Payroll%20Deduction%20of%20Comprehensive%20and%20Capital%20Fees%20for%20Graduate%20Assistants.
13. WAGE POSITION IN LITTLE HOKIE HANGOUT -1st posting
Little Hokie Hangout is now hiring students who meet the Virginia DSS requirements for child care instruction to join the team as Lead Teachers, Substitute Teachers and as Classroom Aides. All applicants must complete a background check and training module upon being hired, and become CPR certified prior to starting work (course will be arranged). Email childcare@vt.edu to learn more about minimum criteria required for each position, as well as hours and pay.
14. MANAGING EDITOR WAGE POSITION IN REVIEW OF MIDDLE EAST STUDIES – 2nd posting
Part-time, independent contractor position with a flexible schedule and commitment max. 20 hrs/wk for hourly wage dependent on experience. Position ends Jun 30, 2017. The Review of Middle East Studies (RoMES) is a biannual entirely electronic publication of the Middle East Studies Association of North America, Inc. RoMES, through Cambridge University Press Journals (http://journals.cambridge.org/action/ displayJournal?jid=RMS. RoMES is headquartered at the Department of Religion and Culture at Virginia Tech. The Managing Editor will oversee the daily operation of the editorial office and assist the editor in the publication of the biannual journal, including managing the office, the review and article submission process, the journal’s production, and other administrative and editorial tasks as requested by the editor. View https://goo.gl/yLAe8Q for a detailed job description and application information.
15. DUAL CAREER ASSISTANT PT WAGE POSITION IN HR – 2nd posting
The Dual Career Program assists the senior leadership in hiring top academic and administrative talent by providing assistance with employment resources for the spouses and partners of key academic leaders, and other employees who fill critical roles at the institution. The dual career program assistant will support client intake and correspondence, data entry, social media applications, job research and customer service in working with dual career applicants. Interested applicants can apply on-line at www.jobs.vt.edu , posting #SW0160583. The review of applications will begin on 8/19/2016.
16. GRAD STUDENTS SOUGHT FOR PAID SOCCER COACHING POSITIONS – 3rd posting
New River United Soccer Club seeks experienced soccer players and coaches to work as club coaching staff for Blacksburg-based youth soccer club. Duties include practice planning and execution and game coaching. Coaching experience preferred, but not required. Looking for individuals who enjoy working with youth and have a background in the game of soccer. Compensation based on experience. Interested parties should contact Matt Gwilliam, Director of Coaching at doc@nrusa.org.
17. VT HELPING PAWS IS RECRUITING VOLUNTEERS – 1st posting
VT Helping PAWS (Pet Assisted Wellness Service) is a therapy animal program at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine that provides an opportunity for students/faculty/staff and their pets to bring companionship and animal-assisted therapy for the community. The group visits Newman Library, Squires Student Center, and other places around campus on a regular basis. Join the organization and become a therapy team through Pet Partners, a national pet therapy organization. The current focus includes dogs & cats, but there is potential for other species such as rats, rabbits, guinea pigs, & birds to join through Pet Partners. Volunteers who do not have their own pet are still welcome to help with training classes and at events! There will be an Interest Meeting at the Blacksburg Library on Tuesday Aug 30, 6:00pm; register at www.tinyurl.com/vthpaws. Contact Sara Boyle at vthelpingpaws@vt.edu with questions.
18. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR DIETARY STUDY IN HNFE – 1st posting
Participants are sought for a study to determine the validity of an updated dietary intake assessment method (questionnaire). Must be 18 years of age or older to participate. The study involves 3 visits (over a one month period) to the VT campus. Each visit will be less than 30 minutes and will include 3 urine samples to measure hydration status and a short demographics survey. Participants will be asked to complete several questionnaires on beverage intake frequency, leisure-time physical activity, and health literacy level. The study will also include 2 dietary recalls by phone, each lasting between 10 to 15 minutes. Participants will be compensated a total of $15 upon successful completion of all study visits. For more information contact Anna in the Dietary Assessment Laboratory at 540-231-4386 or annalg16@vt.edu.
19. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE STUDY – 1st posting
Graduate students are invited to participate in an athletic performance study conducted by the Kevin P. Granata Biomechanics Lab. This study will examine landing mechanics in healthy control subjects. Subjects will perform several jumping/landing and hopping tasks while equipped with 3D motion capture markers and in-shoe pressure sensors. Must be between the ages of 18-35, must participate in athletic activities at least 3 times per week, and will have had no leg injuries in the past six months that have kept them from performing athletic activities for more than two days, and no leg injuries at all in the last two months. Testing will take place in the Granata Lab during two separate sessions one week apart. The first session will take 60-90 minutes to complete and the second session will take 30 minutes to complete. Email to granata-lab-g@vt.edu or call (540) 231-4294 if you are interested in participating in this study.
Upcoming events:
THRIVING IN GRADUATE SCHOOL: A CONVERSATION ON SUCCESS
Monday, Aug 22, 6-7:30pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
Discover resources for academic and personal success at this free dinner and community dialogue co-sponsored by InterVarsity Graduate Christian Fellowship, the Black Graduate Student Organization (BGSO), and the Graduate School.
HEALTH SERVICES AND INSURANCE INFORMATION SESSION
Wednesday, Aug 24, 5:30pm, GLC Room F
Representatives from the Student Medical Insurance office and Schiffert Health Center will discuss how to enroll in the university-sponsored insurance, what the plan covers, and what services are offered at the health center.
INTERVARSITY GRADUATE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP – 1st FALL MEETING
Wednesday, Aug 24, 6:00-8:00pm, GLC (room TBA)
Join InterVarsity Graduate Christian Fellowship <http://gcfvt.wordpress.com/> for a free dinner and interactive Bible discussion. All are welcome!
HEALTHCARE.GOV INFORMATION SESSION
Thursday, Aug 25, 12-1pm, GLC Room C
Check back for details in next week’s posting.
GRADUATE STUDENT ASSEMBLY’S ICE CREAM SOCIAL
Thursday, Aug 25, 1:30-3:00pm, GLC Lounge
Hang out in the GLC Lounge with the GSA officers, your fellow graduate students, and Graduate School staff and enjoy the GSA’s annual mini-festival of ice cream and refreshments to celebrate the first week of classes! This event will be held just before the weekly GLC Cafe, so be sure to stop there too while you’re in the area and have some tea, coffee, and snacks with your pals. No RSVP required. Questions? Email kasey@vt.edu.
COMPUTING AND MOBILE DEVICE HELP
Monday, Aug. 29, 3-5pm, GLC Room G
A member of 4Help, the department at VT that assists with computing and answering information technology service questions, will help students learn about connecting devices to wireless, two-factor authentication, where to get software, backup options, and much more. Bring your device and your questions!
INAUGURAL WOMEN IN TRANSPORTATION SEMINAR
Aug 31-Sep 1
The Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI) and the Women’s Transportation Seminar (WTS) VT Student Chapter will be hosting the Women in Transportation Seminar – The Future of Transportation with a dinner on Aug 31 and panel discussions on Sep 1, directly following the Fifth International Symposium on Naturalistic Driving Research. The event will be held at the Inn at Virginia Tech. The WTS promotes an inclusive environment and welcomes students of all genders to attend the seminar. Meals will be provided both days. Learn more and register at http://www.vtti.vt.edu/NDRS/wts.html. Contact vtwtsi@gmail.com with questions.