1. WEEKLY WALK-IN SERVICES IN THE GLC
– Career Advising: W 2:00-5:00pm, Info kiosk in lobby
– 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;
– Peer to peer support coaching: M 1:00-3:00pm, Room F, F 11:00am-1:00pm, Room A (email grads@vt.edu for more info)
– Writing assistance: Wednesdays, 2-4:30pm, Room A; reserve appointment at http://www.lib.vt.edu/spaces/writing/.
2. CONNECTION JOB FAIR
Tuesday, Oct 18, 10:00am-4:00pm, Squires Student Center
Over 100 employers representing various fields will attend this Connection Job Fair. See the list of employers and information about the jobs they have and candidate qualifications they’re seeking at https://db.career.vt.edu/connection/EmployerList.asp?E=1692
3. DISCOVER ISLAM
Tuesday, Oct 18, 12:30-2:00pm, Info Booth A in Squires Student Center
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). For more information contact grad student Haitham Elmarakeby, marakeby@vt.edu.
4. PARENT SUPPORT LUNCH GROUP
Wednesday, Oct 19, 12:00-1:30pm, GLC Room G
Join your fellow graduate student parents for a support group luncheon and hear from Jessie Meltsner of the VT Women’s Center about programs that can benefit your family. Spouses and children are always welcome. Sign-up at http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0e4fabaa28a1ff2-october1 These lunches fill up fast so sign-up soon. Contact childcare@vt.edu if you have questions.
5. GRADUATE STUDENT AND ADVISOR SOCIAL
Wednesday, Oct 19, 5:00-7:00pm, University Club
All graduate students and their advisors are invited to this social, hosted by the College of Engineering and the University Club. Enjoy good conversation and network with colleagues over a glass of wine or beer and light refreshments. Invite your advisor, committee member or other faculty to attend! Please complete this survey to register for the event and allow organizers to arrange the right amount of refreshments: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_ablk0hCGngPGTJj.
6. RESEARCH A LA MODE PRESENTS: VIRGINIA VOLCANOES – EVIDENCE FOR A PASSIVE-AGGRESSIVE EASTERN NORTH AMERICAN MARGIN
Wednesday, Oct 19, 5:30-6:30pm, 2062 Derring (the museum)
After the break-up of the last super continent, Pangea, the Eastern North American segment developed in to what has been traditionally viewed as a passive margin, meaning tectonic activity is minimal. However, Virginia records two volcanic events after the break-up of Pangea, suggesting that the Eastern North American Margin should in fact be considered a "passive aggressive" margin. By studying the volcanoes of Virginia, we can start to better understand the complicated history associated with super continent break up from 200 million years ago to today. Come for the talk and stay for free ice cream! Posted on behalf of doctoral student Lisa Whalen, lashley@vt.edu.
7. BOREN AWARDS INFO SESSION
Thursday, Oct. 20, 10:00-11:00am, GLC Room F
Boren Scholarships and Fellowships provide unique funding opportunities for U.S. undergraduate and graduate students to study less commonly taught languages in world regions critical to U.S. interests, and underrepresented in study abroad, including Africa, Asia, Central and Eastern Europe, Eurasia, Latin America, and the Middle East. A representative from the Boren awards program will hold this session followed by an informal q & a session from 11am-12pm.
8. GLC CAFÉ – CANCELLED DUE TO VT CLOSING EARLY
Thursday, Oct 20
There will not be a GLC Café this week, since football apparently trumps everything. To make up for it, there will be cubicle-farm tiramisu next week! For this week, read a short story instead, and if you find a really good one, share it with your colleagues next week.
9. GRADUATE ARTS COUNCIL: ART WALK
Friday, Oct 21, 5:30-7:00pm, Theatre 101
Interested in meeting graduate students from other departments? Want to know more about Blacksburg’s artistic scene? Please join the Graduate Arts Council (a campus organization dedicated to exploring, supporting, and expanding the arts in and around the Virginia Tech area) for an art-walk to Blacksburg’s galleries. The group will meet outside of Theatre 101 to begin the walking tour.
10. JOE’S TREES DAY TRIP
Saturday, Oct 22, 1:00pm-5:00pm
Join your fellow grad students on a trip to one of the New River Valley’s best kept secrets! Joe’s Trees is a family owned business that runs a pumpkin patch each fall. There are plenty of fun activities including hay rides, pumpkin picking, and learning about local artisan craft work. Make sure to bring some cash in case you find any awesome crafts or yummy food to purchase! If you are interested in joining, fill out this survey: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_d10xJrCrkTWnNSl. Contact Scarlet Soult at scarlet@vt.edu if you have any questions!
11. DIWALI 2016
Sunday, Oct 23, 5:00-9:30pm, Burruss Hall
Diwali, the festival of lights, is one of the most important festivals in the Indian calendar, signifying the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, good over evil, and hope over despair. A cultural show will feature music, dance and stand up comedy, and conclude with fireworks on the Drillfield, to be followed by hearty, traditional Indian snacks, main courses and desserts, to keep away the fall chilliness in the Commonwealth Ballroom is Squires. Dinner tickets are $12 if you pre-order them,or $14 if you buy them on the spot. Learn more and register on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/events/1206297786080704/. Posted on behalf of grad student Disha Sardana.
12. REC SPORTS FREE WEEK OF SMALL GROUP TRAINING EXTENDED TO 10/21
Go and try any small group training format for free! Check out the schedule at http://recsports.vt.edu/content/small-group-training. Fall semester programs include GRIT™, Hokie RunFit, TRX, Crossfit, CrossFit Gymnastics, Intro to Olympic Lifting, Athletic Conditioning, Partner Yoga, and SUP (Stand-Up Paddleboard) Yoga.
13. LITTLE HOKIE(TM) HAND-ME-DOWN: DONATIONS ACCEPTED NOV 1-15 – 1st posting
Give what you can, take what you need! Little Hokie(TM) Hand-Me-Down (formerly Donate and Swap) is the graduate community’s goods exchange and giving initiative. Donations of new and gently used items for grad students with families and families-to-be will be collected Nov 1-15 at the GLC Welcome Desk and the VT Women’s Center during normal business hours. Donations may include maternity items, books, toys, games, clothing, bikes, car seats, strollers, and more! Goods will be available to students and their families in the GLC Welcome Center on Nov 15, 9:00a – 6:00p, and to staff and their families on Nov 16, 9:00a-12:00p. Bags will be provided. You are not required to donate in order to take advantage of this initiative. This drive is jointly sponsored by the Graduate School, the VT Women’s Center, and the Graduate Student Assembly. Questions? Email Kasey Richardson (kasey@vt.edu).
14. INVITATION TO BADMINTON TOURNAMENT
VT Badminton Club is organizing a Badminton Fall Tournament. You can take part in the tournament even if you have never played or if you are an advanced player; there is something in store for everyone. Sign up for the tournament at https://goo.gl/forms/aewIBtBtnjufLtr92 by 9:00pm, Oct 21. Contact bmt.club.vt@gmail.com if you have any questions or concerns. Posted on behalf of grad student Mayank Khurana.
15. PARKING CHANGES AT THE INN AT VT- UPDATED
Students attending a luncheon or event at the Inn at Virginia Tech can park in F/S/V parking on the Inn side of the building with a valid University parking permit. If a student receives a citation, Parking Services can void it if the student has a valid parking permit and documentation for the event. So keep documentation of events you might attend at The Inn and refer to the appeal information on the citation, should you receive one.
16. GSA TRAVEL FUND PROGRAM APPLICATION – OCT 16-22
The Graduate Student Assembly’s Travel Fund Program will open for applications on October 16 and close on October 22 at 11:59PM. The application guide is now available on the GSA website (http://tinyurl.com/GSATravelFund). This program can provide partial support for professional or conference travel occurring between July 1 and December 31, 2016. If you have questions, contact TFP Chair Zack Shiner at gsaTravelFund@gmail.com
17. BOARD OF VISITORS GRADUATE REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE HOURS-3rd posting
The BoV Graduate Representative, Tara Reel, has office hours this year. Have a concern? Schedule a meeting via the Google calendar: tinyurl.com/meetbovgradrep
18. PEO INTERNNATIONAL PEACE SCHOLARSHIP FOR INTL GRAD WOMEN – 3rd posting
This scholarship is designed for women who are qualified for admission to full-time graduate study, working toward a graduate degree in the college or university she will attend. Requirements: Applicants must not hold U.S. or Canadian citizenship or permanent residency; must have a full year of course-work remaining and be enrolled and on campus for the entire school year. Doctoral students who have completed coursework and are working on dissertation only are not eligible as first-time applicants. The maximum scholarship for one year of study is $12,500, based upon need (year runs from August to August). Complete details are available at http://www.peointernational.org/about-peo-international-peace-scholarship-ips.. Send questions to Terry Arthur at arthurt@cs.vt.edu.
19. OMICRON DELTA KAPPY ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS – 3rd posting
Omicron Delta Kappa is a national leadership honor society that recognizes the highest achieving individuals in different leadership areas at our university. Membership is extended to undergraduate juniors and seniors, graduate students, faculty, staff and alumni. Students must be in high academic standing and display qualities/achievements in one of five areas of leadership. To apply and for more information on membership, visit our website: http://www.odk.org.vt.edu/membership.php Contact Eileen Bui regarding any membership questions: ebui90@vt.edu
20. SUBMISSIONS INVITED TO GLC PHOTO AND ART CONTEST – final posting, deadline this week!
The Graduate School invites submissions of art work and photography by graduate students for display in the GLC during Fall Open House (Oct 28) and beyond. Submissions are limited to three pieces (art and/or photography) per graduate student. Learn more at http://graduateschool.vt.edu/graduate-life-center/glc-art-and-photo-contest.html Submission deadline: Thursday, Oct 20, 2016.
21. SPRING 2017 GLC FELLOW POSITION OPENING – 2nd posting
Residence Life and the Graduate School are seeking a motivated graduate student who is committed to building graduate community, for a GLC Fellow position for Spring 2017. An ideal candidate would have previous residence life and/or event planning experience, though it is not a requirement. Applicants must submit a formal cover letter, resume and letter of recommendation, and fully complete the following survey: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_etFlFGFfWtFVSyV Information about cover letter requirements is detailed in the survey and the full job description is at http://graduateschool.vt.edu/graduate-life-center.html Apply by midnight on Friday, Oct. 28, 2016. Contact Lauren Surface at lkeister@vt.edu or Sam Harbison at samlh@vt.edu if you have questions.
22. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED – 1st posting
Participants needed for a study investigating conflicts between school life and family life. Looking for students raising a child and enrolled in full-time graduate program for at least one year. Two meetings (one short meeting about 20~30 minutes, and one interview about an hour) will be needed for the study. If interested, please contact grad student Soo at soojeong@vt.edu.
23. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR EFFECTS OF INFO DISPLAY STUDY – 1st posting
Participants are sought for a study on the effects of different types of information display (i.e. paper-based system, head-down, and head-up display) on walking behaviors. Participants will be asked to perform a cognitive task while walking on a treadmill. Different display types will also be used. Must be 18-35; no current or recent history (1 year) of musculoskeletal problems; 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 lab in the ISE department. Two sessions (one 30-min preliminary + one 2.5 hr data collection); compensation ($10 per hour). Call or email Mr. Alireza Sedighi if interested: (540) 394-8441 sedighia@vt.edu.
24. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED – 3rd posting
Students are invited in a Virginia Tech study investigating the stability, comfort and usability of different arm brace designs. Must be 18 years or older and not have current or recent (past 1 year) history of musculoskeletal injuries. Participants will be asked to perform simulated activities of daily living (e.g. opening an envelope) with five different arm braces. One experimental (2-3 hours long) is required to complete the study. Compensation is $10/hour. Research protocols have been approved by the VT IRB. If interested, please contact Kristine Cantin at kdc14@vt.edu .
Upcoming events:
OPEN ACCESS WEEK 2016
Monday-Sunday, Oct 24-30, times and locations vary
The University Libraries promote the value of open access and provide VT scholars with new open access options for showcasing their creative outputs. Providing access to everyone, not just institutions that can afford to purchase journal subscriptions, helps to inspire creativity, enable innovation and to accelerate the development of important new discoveries. Celebrate Open Access by participating in OAW events. See details at http://www.lib.vt.edu/openaccess/
BRING YOUR OWN DATA WORKSHOP: HOW TO INCREASE THE IMPACT OF YOUR RESERCH
Tuesday, Oct 25, 11:00am-3:00pm, Newman Library Multipurpose Room, 1st floor
Attend this free, hands-on workshop co-hosted by the Center for Open Science and VT University Libraries and learn about resources and tools to increase the reuse and discoverability of your research by following F.A.I.R. data principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable). Lunch provided. Registration required at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeizQE8IDfk5Wo-D1SFH5ssNRbQQ8NYomkkDSvmt6HI0piqpQ/viewform?c=0&w=1.
LGBTQ+ LUNCHEON IN THE GLC
Tuesday, Oct 25, 11:30am-12:30pm, GLC Room F
The Graduate School’s Office of Recruitment and Diversity Initiatives offers a fellowship gathering every year to individuals who are part of the LGBTQ+ community. The keynote speaker for this event is Luis Garay the Assistant Director of the LGBTQ+ Center. Lunch will be provided. Please register at: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_6QiNweyoyfrNou9.
BREAKFAST WITH THE DEAN
Wednesday, Oct 26, 9:00am-10:15am, GLC Meeting Room C
The Graduate Student Assembly invites you to a Breakfast with the Dean! Eat delicious goodies (and drink energizing coffee) while engaging in a meaningful dialogue about graduate school. This event is free to all graduate students. Contact Sam at sjfried@vt.edu with any questions.
AUDITIONS FOR MUSIC-THEATER PIECE IN MOSS ART CTR
Monday-Wednesday, Oct 24-26, 6:00-8:00pm
The Moss Art Center (MAC) is holding auditions for (Be)Longing, a new collaborative work to be performed in the Anne and Ellen Fife Theatre on Mar 17-18, 2017. If interested, call Morgan Ehresman at 540-526-3857 or contact mehres94@vt.edu with your name, phone number, and availability. (Be)Longing, featuring locally cast singers, beatboxers, and hip-hop artists, is about isolation, healing, and community. The piece has been developed through ongoing research and creative residencies in Blacksburg and other locations since April 2014. Posted on behalf of grad student David Salmo, davidts@vt.edu.
MINGLE LIKE YOU MEAN IT
Thursday, Oct 27, 2:00-3:30pm, GLC Room B
How are you at networking when it comes to large receptions, conferences or other professional events? Feel like you need to get better? Improve your skills at mingling at this interactive session where you’ll practice introductions, opening lines and more with fellow graduate students. https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_4UUeDutInys0D6B.
HALLOWEEN PARTY
Thursday, Oct 27, 7:00-9:00pm, Owens Banquet Hall
Come celebrate the spooky season with other graduate students! Prizes for costumes, games, and light refreshments will be provided. Co-sponsored by International Support Services, Language and Culture Institute, Cranwell International Center, and the Graduate School. Contact Kristen Haas at kjhaas@vt.edu for more information. Please register online at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bHFZmF5bLIu2Qtf.
GSA FALL BEER & WINE SOCIAL
Friday, Oct 28, 5:00-9:00pm, University Club
Join the Graduate Student Assembly for an autumnal Beer & Wine Social and tasting! Admission will be $5, and a set of 6 tasting tickets will be an additional $5. Light refreshments and snacks will be free with admission; food trucks will be on-site with food for purchase, for those that want heavier meals. This social is for students 21 and over. Tickets will be sold at the event (and note that there will be an additional $1 charge for all tickets purchased by credit card). Register for the Beer & Wine Social event on Facebook at tinyurl.com/beerandwine-fall2016, so that the GSA can have a rough idea of attendance.
FALL ETIQUETTE DINNER – register now!
Wednesday, Nov 2, 5:00-7:30pm, Owens Banquet Room
Career and Professional Development’s annual etiquette dinner is an opportunity to learn and practice good table manners to assist you in being successful in your job and internship search and as a new professional. Register at the Hokies4Hire website: https://www.myinterfase.com/vt/Account/LogOn. Select “Career Events”, and then from drop-down menu choose “Dining Etiquette”, “Search” and then select “Dining Etiquette: A Networking and Fine Dining Experience.” Registration deadline is October 24 and the cost is $11.00. Email cpd@vt.edu if you have questions.