Aug 29-Sep 4, 2016

1.  WEEKLY WALK-IN SERVICES IN THE GLC – updated 8/22/16

  • Cook Counseling: Th, F 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;
  • Writing assistance: Wednesdays, 2-4:30pm, Room A

2. WRITING A WINNING RESUME
Monday, Aug 29, 5:30-6:30pm, GLC Room F
Having a well-polished resume is the most critical step toward getting an interview. Start early to be ready for fall career fairs and on campus interviews. Learn the ins and outs from a career services professional.

3. 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.

4. GLC CAFÉ
Thursday, Sep 1, 3:30-5:00pm, GLC Reading Room or West Patio if the weather is nice
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.

5. QGPA WELCOME BACK GAME NIGHT
Thursday, Sep 1, 6:00pm, GLC Room B
Join queer grads, professionals and allies (QGPA) for their first meeting of the semester. There will be an assortment of games and dinner. Questions, food and/or accessibility concerns? Email qgpavt@gmail.com.

6. KIDS’ NIGHT OUT – FREE WEEKLY DROP IN CHILD CARE
Thursdays, starting Sep 1, 6:00-8:30pm, VT Women’s Center (206 Washington St)
Need a break? Have to study or attend a lecture? Want to catch up on work? If you are a VT student with children, bring your kids aged 2-12 (must be toilet trained). No need to pre-register. There are games, toys, books, crafts, homework help, and plenty of fun with childcare provided by the volunteers of Chi Delta Alpha sorority. KNO will be held every Thursday throughout the semester with the exception of breaks when classes are not in session. For more information, contact Jessie Meltsner at jmelts@vt.edu  or 231-7806.

7. OVER-30 GRADS MEET-UP AT THE GLC
Friday, Sep 2, 3:00pm, GLC Room B
Join other over-30 grads for some light refreshments and conversation and build your network of potentially like-minded students and colleagues. Please sign up if you are planning on attending, or if you can’t come but would like to be added to the group:  https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1471885739262.

8. GOBBLERFEST 2016
Friday, Sep 2, 4:00-8:00pm, Drillfield
Join the annual university-wide celebration of the beginning of the academic year and connect with fellow students and the local community. For details visit http://www.gobblerfest.dsa.vt.edu/.

9. HEALTH CARE AND PSYCHOLOGICAL COUNSELING AT VT
Friday, Sep 2, 7:30pm, Basement of Blacksburg Baptist Church, 550 N. Main St.
VT Association of Chinese Students and Scholars and the Chinese Bible Study group of Blacksburg are co-hosting this seminar in Chinese about the health care and psychological counseling at VT. Dr. Jianfeng Zheng from Schiffert Health Center and Dr. Claire Shen from Cook Counseling Center will be guest speakers. Posted on behalf of graduate student Yu Zhou, zhouyu23@vt.edu.

10. APPLICATIONS INVITED FOR ACADEMY FOR GTA EXCELLENCE – 1st posting
VTGrATE (Academy for Graduate Teaching Assistant Excellence) welcomes applications for Member, Associate, and Fellow in its Learning Community. VTGrATE provides opportunities for graduate students to receive advanced education and training in innovative teaching and learning strategies. It also provides a space to recognize excellence in teaching by graduate students. Membership is open to all graduate and professional students at all VT campuses. Apply at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1LCFvGakg53cY9D; nomination and recommendation form is at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_a3pzAvaPFa0OxJr. Both are due Saturday, Sep 17.  For questions contact Nicole J. Johnson (nicj712@vt.edu).

11. VTGrATE OFFICE HOURS – 1st posting
VTGrATE Fellows have office hours to meet with you to discuss successes, challenges, and philosophy about teaching and pedagogy this fall. You can find them in the GLC on Tuesdays 3:00-5:00pm in Room A and Wednesdays 12:00-4:00pm in Room A or F.

12. WRITING SUPPORT FOR GRADS – 1st posting
Free writing support is offered in the VT Writing Center, 2nd floor Newman Library. Lots of appointment times available. Additional hours are offered in Meeting Room A, GLC, on Wednesdays 2:00-4:30. See website to make an appointment: http://www.lib.vt.edu/spaces/writing/. Graduate Writing Groups are forming now for the 2016-2017 school year! Sign up at  https://goo.gl/forms/Em8WofKPYxVeqAMn1.

13. ENGLISH PRACTICE GROUPS OFFERED BY CRANWELL INTL CTR – 1st posting
The Cranwell International Center offers multiple EPGs per week for anyone who wishes to improve their English and learn more about local culture. They are open to VT students, researchers, scholars, faculty, visitors and their dependents. Individuals can attend any number of EPGs per week. If you have any questions, email international@vt.edu. Cranwell practice groups are free of charge and require no registration. Fall schedule will begin the week of Aug 22 and conclude on Dec 15. For schedule and details visit http://international.vt.edu/interculturalinitiatives/english_practice_groups.html.

14. BOOK DONATIONS SOUGHT FOR GAMBIA LIBRARY PROJECT – 1st posting
Book donations to The Gambia are requested by Friday, Sep 2. Bring books (any reading level) to office 240 Graduate School to contribute to a library fellow grad student Sulayman Njie is building in The Gambia. Books will be picked up at 4pm on Friday, Sep 2 to be sent. Contact Sulayman if you have questions, sauln@vt.edu.  

15. ONLINE COURSE FOR NEW GRAD STUDENTS – 2nd posting
All new graduate students need to complete Haven Plus, an online course on the important issues of sexual harassment, sexual assault, relationship violence, and stalking. This course is part of the university’s comprehensive gender-based violence prevention program and meets the requirements of the federal Campus SaVE Act. The deadline is Sep 15.  Students who do not complete the course may have a registration hold placed on their student accounts.  New students will receive more information via email or can access the course and additional information about the requirement here: http://www.dsa.vt.edu/onlineprograms/graduate.php.

16. THE GRADUATE STUDENT ASSEMBLY WELCOMES YOU TO A NEW YEAR – 3rd posting
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.

17. 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.

18. WOMEN INFLUENCING ARTS SPEAKER SERIES ANNOUNCED – 1st posting
Women Influencing the Arts speaker series provides a safe space for women artists and arts leaders to discuss and share challenges and triumphs faced by women in the field with young women studying the arts and/or those interested in pursuing a career in the arts. The goal is to foster honest and open dialogues in a productive environment. Each event will be hosted at the VT Women’s Center starting at 5:30pm. Seating is limited and reservations are required. Register at https://womeninfluencingthearts.wordpress.com/speakerseries/. More information: https://womeninfluencingthearts.wordpress.com/. 

19. RESUMANIA
Get your resume ready for the upcoming career fairs.  From Aug 22 – Sep 14, Career and Professional Development is extending its regular 10-minute walk-in advising to 10:00am – 4:00pm M-F. (Beginning Sep 15, daily 10-minute walk-in advising hours of noon – 3:00pm will resume.) Location – Smith Career Center, corner of Washington St. and West Campus Dr. Please bring a printed copy of your resume.

20. MEMBERS SOUGHT FOR STUDENT ADVISOR BOARD – 1st posting
Career and Professional Development is seeking applications for its Student Advisory Board. Board members generate ideas, feedback and suggestions about a wide range of topics related to the office mission and involving programming, technology, policies, outreach, etc.  Information about the advisory board and the application are located here: http://career.vt.edu/about/student-advisory-board.html The application deadline is noon on Monday, Sep 12. 

21. CONTRIBUTIONS SOUGHT FOR REFLECTIONS & EXPLORATIONS BLOG – 1st posting
A few spots remain for graduate students to participate in the student column, Reflections and Explorations (RE), offered through the VT Institute for Policy and Governance. Past articles have focused on a broad array of issues linked to sustainability, the arts, democratic policy, and governance. Reflections and Explorations is a great vehicle to share your research ideas and theories with a broader audience. Submissions from across disciplines and critical reflections and explorations of current events, ideologies, acts of resistance and oppression, and beyond are encouraged and valued. The RE column appears weekly and everyone who signs up is responsible for writing one article on the topic of your choosing in about 1,000 words during the fall semester. The first article will appear on Thursday, Sep 1 and the last will be published on Thursday, Dec 8. Slots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Sign up at http://doodle.com/poll/ecf3reyx9ksu82ig. Send any questions to doctoral student Mary Ryan at maryryan@vt.edu.

22. PART-TIME ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION ASSISTANT SOUGHT – 1st posting
The VT Office of Alternative Transportation is hiring a part-time Alternative Transportation Assistant. Check out the job posting and application details online at https://listings.jobs.vt.edu/postings/68181. Posted on behalf of former grad student and current bike programs coordinator Mackenzie Jarvis, Office of Alternative Transportation.

23. MOSS ARTS CENTER LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS FOR PK12 PROGRAMS – 1st posting
Volunteers are asked to arrive one (1) hour prior to the performance to assist with greeting schools and families, checking people in, guiding bus drop-off, and making guests feel welcome. Volunteers receive short orientation materials prior to the day of the performance and participate in a brief orientation on the morning of the performance. All are welcome to stay and watch the performances. Schedule: Sep 23, 10:00-11:00am (volunteers arrive at 9:00) Havana Cuba All-Stars (music); Oct 7, 10:00-11:00am (volunteers arrive at 9:00) – Harlem Quartet (music); Jan 27, 7:00-9:00pm (volunteers arrive at 6:00) – Raisin’ Cane: A Harlem Renaissance Odyssey (theatre, music); Mar 23, 10:00-11:15am (volunteers arrive at 9:00) – Kid Koala’s Nufonia Must Fall (film, music, puppetry). If interested, email David Salmo, grad assistant, at davidts@vt.edu with the performance(s) you would like to assist with.

24. PARENTS AND ADOLESCENTS SOUGHT FOR VT STUDY – 2nd posting
Parents and adolescents (ages 13-18)  needed for Virginia Tech study of social and academic experiences.  With their parent and a same-gender close friend, teens will be asked to complete questionnaires, conversation tasks, and a speech task. Participation should last 1.5 hours.  Study is located on VT Blacksburg campus. Teens, their participating friend, and participating parent are each given $10 gift certificate. Interested?  Call the Virginia Tech Social Development Lab at 231-8179 or e-mail rlm527@vt.edu.

25. INTERLOPER LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEER CONTRIBUTORS – 2nd posting
The Interloper, Virginia Tech’s LGBTQ magazine, is looking for enthusiastic, hard-working contributors for its 5th issue. Still need editors, writers, artists, photographers, and designers. If you are interested in getting involved, please email Maggie Nanney at theinterlopervt@gmail.com.

26. VT HELPING PAWS IS RECRUITING VOLUNTEERS – 3rd 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.

27. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR DIETARY STUDY IN HNFE – 3rd 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.

28. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE STUDY – 3rd 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:

CAREER FAIR PREPARATION

Tuesday, Sep 6, 5:30-6:30pm, GLC Room F

Learn how to present yourself to an employer and what to ask at a job fair. Just in time for fall career fairs!

 

VT GrATE FALL SOCIAL AND INFORMATIONAL

Wednesday, Sep 7, 5:30-7:30pm, University Club

Meet and mingle with current members of the Academy for Graduate Teaching Assistant Excellence and learn more about GrATE.  RSVP by 5:00pm Sep 1 at https://docs.google.com/a/vt.edu/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSckYL-nonIs0UXnnh1jCsr4TM4GQDyTJbk80Ge_AZnuXh-mTg/viewform. If you have any questions, contact Nicole Johnson (nicj712@vt.edu).

 

INTERVIEWING SKILLS WORKSHOP

Wednesday, Sep 7, 5:30-6:30pm, GLC Room F

Be prepared for initial screening interviews as well as on-site interviews. This seminar addresses interviewing basics, employer expectations, and insights into behavioral interviews.

 

HBCU GAME NIGHT – register now!

Thursday, Sep 8, 6:00-8:00pm, Graduate School Lawn

The Office of Recruitment and Diversity Initiatives invites you to the HBCU Game Night to bring together graduate students, faculty, and staff who have graduated from a Historically Black College or University. Wear your school colors or logo to the event if you have it. Feel free to bring a game of your choosing (some will be provided).  Food by Due South BBQ. REgister by Sep 1, 5:00 pm at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3eKT5Nsixgmxd6R. 

 

RESEARCH RESOURCES AT NEWMAN LIBRARY

Friday, Sep 9, 10:00-11:00am, 207 Newman

Learn about the ways that VT Libraries support graduate students. Explore research resources, including databases, library liaisons, citation managers, GRAD 5124, and resources for teaching. Light refreshments provided.

 

MANAGING THE HILLS AND VALLEYS OF GRADUATE SCHOOL: A DISCUSSION WITH FACULTY OF COLOR

Tuesday, Sep 13, 11:30am-1:00pm, GLC Room G

Light lunch will be provided.  Please register by Sep 9 at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_eICl03XvO3USifr.  Program sponsored by Multicultural Academic Opportunities Program (MAOP).