February 13-19, 2017

1.  WEEKLY WALK-IN SERVICES IN THE GLC – last updated 1/23/2017

  • 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;
  • Writing assistance: reserve appointment at http://www.lib.vt.edu/spaces/writing/.
  • Write-in with grads: Wednesdays 9:00-12:00, Room D

2. NAVIGATING YOUR PHD PROGRAM: CREATE A PERSONAL PLAN FOR WRITING
Monday, Feb 13, 3:00-5:00pm, GLC Room B
These interactive writing workshops are designed to help grad students create a personal plan for writing, with particular attention to comprehensive exams and dissertations/theses. The Feb 13 session is targeted for students in the latter stage of their doctoral studies. Brought to you by the Writing Center.

3. WEEKLY WRITE-IN SESSIONS FOR GRADS
Wednesdays, 9:00am-12:00pm, GLC Room D
Do you need to focus on writing your thesis, dissertation or journal article? This weekly write-in session supported by the Writing Center might be just the place for you! A writing coach will be available for brief feedback, but the purpose of this time is to offer you a quiet and supportive place to establish a writing routine. You are free to come for all or part of the time. Reserve your spot online on the schedule at http://www.lib.vt.edu/spaces/writing/graduate.html.

4. PARENT SUPPORT LUNCHEON
Wednesday, Feb 15, 12:00-1:00pm, GLC Room G
Join the next parent support lunch and enjoy food, meet other grad student parents, and have a good discussion about parenting. This month participants will be hearing from Candy Beers-Kim, an expert in pediatric sleep. Learn some tips on mindful parenting and relaxation that will help you and baby get more sleep! Children are welcome. Register at http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0e4fabaa28a1ff2-february and remember that in a room full of hungry graduate students, the food goes fast. Posted on behalf of Marin Riegger, child care coordinator, mriegger@vt.edu.

5. OVER-30 GRADS INTEREST MEETING
Wednesday, Feb 15, 3:00-4:30pm, GLC Room D
Join other over-30 grads for some light refreshments and conversation and build your network of potentially like-minded students and colleagues. Fill out the survey to indicate your interest in attending this event and about your future availability for regularly scheduled events: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5bfugffqiMt6Ebr.  Join a google group to stay in touch: https://groups.google.com/a/vt.edu/d/forum/vt-grads-over-30-g. Posted on behalf of grad student Mahi Abdelbar, mohelmi@vt.edu <mailto:mohelmi@vt.edu> .

6. GSA TOWN HALL: FEDERAL GOVERNMENT ACTIONS AND POTENTIAL IMPACTS ON HIGHER EDUCATION
Wednesday, Feb 15, 5:00-7:00pm, GLC Auditorium
Guests will include Dean Karen DePauw, Kay Heidbreder of University Legal Counsel, and Diana Miller of Student Legal Services. Topics of discussion include any and all matters pertaining to graduate student realities in the current administration, including the immigration ban, impacts of EPA funding, academic freedom, public perceptions of the liberal arts and sciences, the Affordable Care Act and student health care, Planned Parenthood, Title IX and campus sexual assault, and the future of public education.

7. GLC CAFÉ: CUBICLE FARM TIRAMISU EDITION
Thursday, Feb 16, 3:30-5:00pm, GLC Reading Room
Enjoy free coffee, tea, and cookies in the company of fellow graduate students and Grad School staff; network, socialize, relax! Cubicle farm tiramisu will be back by popular demand. Stop by to experience the pinnacle of junk food you can make out of things from vending machines! Bring your own mug if you can.

8. KIDS’ NIGHT OUT – FREE WEEKLY DROP IN CHILD CARE
Thursdays, 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? Drop off your kids aged 2-12 (must be toilet trained) at the Women’s Center for some time off with games, toys, books, crafts, homework help, and plenty of fun with childcare provided by the volunteers of Chi Delta Alpha sorority. No need to pre-register. 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 <mailto:jmelts@vt.edu>   or 231-7806.

9. DISSERTATION BOOT CAMP
Sundays, Feb 19, 26 and Mar 19, 2:00-6:00pm, Writing Center
This workshop series provides three separate 4-hour sessions in the Writing Center for PhD students working on their dissertations. During these meetings, students will have their own quiet space to work, and grad-level Writing Center coaches will be present to provide assistance. Brought to you by the Writing Center.

10. STUDENT ENGAGEMENT GRANTS – 1st posting
Through the generosity of many donors, the John E. Dooley Student Engagement Grant funds highly motivated students or student teams planning to implement community-based civic engagement projects. Up to $1,500 is available in this year’s cycle. Either two awards of $750 or one $1,500 award will be granted. Learn more at http://engage.vt.edu/programs/grants_awards.html and apply by Mar 24. Contact Catherine Cotrupi with questions regarding JEDSEG at cotrupi@vt.edu <mailto:cotrupi@vt.edu>  or 540-231-9186.

11. VT ENGAGE POSTER SHOWCASE – 1st posting
Are you doing a project in the community that aligns with VT Engage’s core values (see http://engage.vt.edu/about/mission.html)? Individuals or teams of students are invited to submit a poster proposal at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bmvLBnC8U8JELd3 that showcases their work in the areas of service learning, community-engaged learning, community outreach, and group service projects. Proposal submission deadline: Friday, Mar 17. If you submit before the deadline, you will be notified within two weeks of submission whether or not your proposal has been accepted. If you submit on or close to the deadline, you will be notified by Tuesday, Mar 21. Contact VT Engage with questions regarding the event at engage@vt.edu <mailto:engage@vt.edu>  or 540-231-9798.

12. SIGN UP FOR “INTERNATIONAL VOICES” – 1st posting
The Cranwell International Center is launching International VOICES (Valuable Opportunities for Intercultural Communication, Education, and Sharing) to showcase VT’s global diversity and facilitate opportunities for international students to share their culture, global perspectives, and life experiences with the broader community. International students are matched with campus and community partners who wish to invite speakers for presentations, small group conversations, and panel discussions. The program provides international students with opportunities to: talk to interested audiences; help break down stereotypes and prejudices; improve public-speaking skills; form relationships with people on campus and in the community; contribute to open and accepting campus and community; help prepare global citizens; and add a meaningful experience to their resume. Public-speaking training and support provided as needed. Learn more and sign up at http://international.vt.edu/advocacyandsupport/international-voices-.html. Direct questions to Cranwell Intl Ctr, 540.231.6527 or international@vt.edu <mailto:intenraitonal@vt.edu> .

13. APPLICATIONS INVITED FOR EARLY CAREER DATA SHARE FELLOWSHIP – 1st posting
The US region of the Research Data Alliance (RDA/US) invites applications from doctoral students and postdocs for its Early Career Data Share fellowship program. Successful Fellows will engage with RDA through carrying out self-proposed projects with RDA groups and through extensive networking and communication with the RDA community. Data Services in VT University Libraries is involved with the RDA and would welcome the opportunity to work with you in support of this fellowship. Contact dataservices@vt.edu <mailto:dataservices@vt.edu>  for assistance. Application deadline: Mar 7. Details and applications:  http://us.rd-alliance.org/2017-2018-rdaus-call-fellows. Posted on behalf of Jonathan Petters, Data Services, University Libraries.

14. RESEARCH A LA MODE INVITES SPEAKER APPLICATIONS – 3rd posting
Want to give a talk on your research? Research a la Mode is a monthly venue for graduate students from different departments to come together and hear a talk by one of their peers. This is an opportunity to practice communicating your research to an audience unfamiliar with your discipline, and help you cut down on reliance on jargon and simplify and clarify your points and delivery. Use RALM to become better teachers, researchers and communicators!Talks are usually around 30 minutes. Email LASHLEY@VT.EDU <mailto:LASHLEY@VT.EDU>  if interested in joining the ranks of RALM presenters.

15. CITIZEN SCHOLAR APPLICATIONS OPEN NOW – 3rd posting
Have you used your research to benefit society in any way? Are you currently working, or have worked on a project in the past year, that has community impact, either locally or globally? If so, consider applying for the Citizen Scholar Award. If not, consider designing a Citizen Scholar Project! Program requirements are described on the CSE website:  http://graduateschool.vt.edu/transformative-graduate-education-experience/citizen-scholar-engagement/program-requirements.html. Applications are due 5 p.m. on Monday, March 13, 2017. For more information, email Helen Kamandhari at helen74@vt.edu <mailto:helen74@vt.edu> .

16. GA POSITION FOR 2017-18 FOR GRADUATE LIFE CENTER OPERATIONS – 1st posting
Student Engagement and Campus Life is looking for a full-time graduate student to serve as a Graduate Assistant for GLC Operations. This nine-month position begins in August.  Primary duties include personnel management and supervision of GLC student staff, assisting with daily management of GLC building operations, event services assistance and collaboration with GLC partners. Full position description available at http://graduateschool.vt.edu/content/dam/graduateschool_vt_edu/grad_assistant_graduate_life_center.pdf. To apply, submit a resume and cover letter by Mar 3 to Steve Buchner, Operations Coordinator, satlbuch@vt.edu <mailto:satlbuch@vt.edu> .

17. GA POSITION TO SUPPORT GRADUATE STUDENT ASSEMBLY FOR 2017-18 – 2nd posting
Student Engagement and Campus Life and the Graduate School are looking for a full-time graduate student to support the GSA during the 2017-18 academic year. This 12-month position begins in May. Primary duties include advising members of the GSA Executive Board and Executive Council, providing logistics support for GSA events and operation,  and assisting with small- and large-scale event planning throughout the year. Full position description available at http://gsa.vt.edu/how-to-get-involved/gsa-graduate-assistant/. Apply by Feb 21 at 5pm by sending a letter of interest and CV in PDF format to jedens@vt.edu <mailto:jedens@vt.edu> . Email questions to kasey@vt.edu <mailto:kasey@vt.edu> .

18. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR MUSCLE METABOLISM STUDY – 3rd posting
Volunteers needed for a study examining how diet influences muscle metabolism. Must be:
Between ages 18-40; 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 may receive up to $400 in compensation. If you meet these requirements and are interested in participating, contact the VT Human Integrative Physiology Laboratory at westerndiet@gmail.com <mailto:westerndiet@gmail.com> . website: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_eKX222gpcgRqZLv.

Upcoming events:

DINING ETIQUETTE – register now!
Tuesday, 2/21, 5:30-7PM, GLC Multipurpose Room
Learn how to conduct yourself during a formal meal in a professional setting, whether the dinner is part of an interview, a conference, or other engagement. The program will include a presentation, helpful props and tips, and an informal meal during which you can network with graduate students and VT staff. Pizza or other similar food will be served; unfortunately we are unable to entertain dietary restrictions beyond meat/vegetarian. Must register at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_727wBQbvoa3ranP to attend.

CONVERSATION WITH AND FOR WOMEN DOCTORAL STUDENTS
Wednesday, Feb 22, 8:30am, Owens Banquet Hall
The VT Women’s Alliance and the VP for Strategic Affairs/Vice Provost for Inclusion and Diversity, invite you to a conversation with and for women doctoral students. The conversation will provide an opportunity to share ideas and suggestions related to promoting and enhancing the success of women at VT. Your perspectives will inform the development of specific follow up strategies. Register at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_6Gv0YeazTkuemJn if planning to attend.

CAREERS IN SCIENCE COMMUNICATION
Thursday, Mar 2, 3:00pm, 311 Latham
NPR Science Correspondent Joe Palca and assistant producer Madeline Sofia, along with American Scientist editor Katie Burke will meet with graduate students to discuss alternative career paths. Posted on behalf of Carrie Kroehler, associate director of Center for Communicating Science.

DATA MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP
Tuesday, Mar 7, 9:00am-4:00pm, Scale-Up Room (101S) Newman Library
This workshop will give attendees practical hands-on experience to improve their research data management by making research datasets FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable).  Following FAIR practices for thoughtful and well-planned research data management can increase project efficiency, smooth the research process, improve the soundness of research results, and maximize the reusability of the data. The workshop is limited to 50 participants, so register today at http://bit.ly/FAIRData.