February 20-26, 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. FAIR USE WEEK EVENTS IN THE LIBRARY
Monday-Friday, Feb 20-24, various times and locations
Fair Use Week Festivities start today at VT University Libraries! Join intriguing conversations and get ready to submit your entry for the Fair Use Week Contest. NLI credit is available for several of the week’s events. Learn how to preserve and share disappearing government information; listen in on a panel discussion about fair use and copyright in academic research, publishing and teaching; watch a film screening on information guerilla warefare; and more. Details online at http://guides.lib.vt.edu/fairuseweek.

3. DINING ETIQUETTE – register by 6pm today!
Tuesday, Feb 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. APPALACHIAN STUDENT GROUP INTEREST MEETING
Wednesday, Feb 22, 11:30am-12:30pm, Multicultural Center, Squires
Are you a student from Appalachia? Are you the first person in your family to attend college or graduate school? Would you like to share your experiences, exchange ideas, and network with others in contributing to a greater appreciation of Appalachian cultures at Virginia Tech? Bring your lunch and join a “brown bag” interest meeting to establish an Appalachian student gathering. Discuss fun things you can do as a group on campus (and beyond) and tips for navigating potential problems sometimes faced by students from Appalachia. For more information, contact grad student Amanda Halliburton at ahallibu@vt.edu.

7. INFORMATICS LAB IN UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES
Wednesdays, 1:00-3:00pm, Port Commons (Torg 3320)
The Informatics Lab in the University Libraries aims to help researchers effectively find, transform, model, visualize and share research data. Walk-in consultations are available in Port Commons (Torg 3320), Wednesdays 1-3 pm. General questions can be asked through the contact form https://researchinformatics.lib.vt.edu/contact/?utm_source=GLC%20Weekly%20Email&utm_medium=Contact%20Form, or contact our consultants directly at https://researchinformatics.lib.vt.edu/people/?utm_source=GLC%20Weekly%20Email&utm_medium=Direct%20Contact.

8. ACADEMY FOR GTA EXCELLENCE PRESENTS: WAYS OF PRACTICING SELF CARE
Wednesday, Feb 22, 6:15-8:00pm, GLC Room G
February is self-care month in the academy, some events are coming up that will help GTAs examine their current self-care practices and learn some new ones. Explore Massage will give a short demo on massaging techniques from 6:15-6:45 after which they will stick around to offer some free massages until 7:30! There will be a brown bag discussion on wellness from 7:00-8:00pm.

 

9. OPT WORKSHOP FOR F-1 STUDENTS

Wednesday, Feb 22, 5:30-7:00pm, GLC Multipurpose Room



Learn about the OPT application process, including eligibility requirements, timing of application and other important details. This workshop is most relevant to F-1 students who are expecting to graduate in May or this summer. Presented by IGSS immigration advisors, igss@vt.edu, 231-8486.

10. GLC CAFÉ
Thursday, Feb 23, 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! Bring your own mug if you can.

11. 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  or 231-7806.

12. DISSERTATION BOOT CAMP
Sundays, Feb 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. Free coffee and carbs provided! Brought to you by the Writing Center and the Graduate School.

13. NOMINATIONS FOR UNIVERSITY STUDENT LEADERSHIP AWARDS (USLA) NOW OPEN – 1st posting
The USLAs are sponsored by Student Engagement & Campus Life. These awards recognize individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the Virginia Tech campus and community. The USLAs celebrate accomplishments of undergraduate and graduate clubs, organizations, programs, individuals, and service projects. More information about awards, criteria, forms, and process for nomination are at: http://campuslife.vt.edu/Student_Orgs/Awards_and_Honors/USLA.html. Submit nominations by Mar 3,  5:00pm.

14. CALL FOR PROPOSALS FOR GRADUATE ART COUNCIL’S ART SHOWCASE – 1st posting
Are you a graduate student with an interest in the arts? Do you sketch, write, or perform? Whatever your artistic talent and regardless of your field of study, the Graduate Arts Council (a campus organization dedicated to exploring, supporting, and expanding the arts in and around VT) invites you to participate in its Second Annual Art Showcase! Last year’s curated showcase featured everything from beautiful paintings to a dynamic magic show. The showcase will be held in late March (exact date and location TBA) and will be free and open to the public. Submit proposals by Mar 1 at https://docs.google.com/a/vt.edu/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScYg4gDLfGNnaY1_iyPja8rxrnobNNaAqW84gb2fa5Q-xAfzg/viewform?c=0&w=1.  Contact grad student Ana-Christina at acostaa@vt.edu with any questions.

15. TICKETS ON SALE FOR 19TH ANNUAL EBONY AFFAIR
The Black Graduate Student Organization’s 19th Annual Ebony Affair: “Unite. Inspire. Excel. An All Black Experience" is a formal banquet acknowledging, celebrating, and reflecting on outstanding faculty members, students, and community members who actively engage in our motto, “Lifting As We Climb”. The keynote address will be given by Dr. Menah Pratt-Clarke. Tickets are available at: vtebonyaffair.eventbrite.com. Posted on behalf of grad student Corey Miles, coreymiles@vt.edu.

16. STUDENT ENGAGEMENT GRANTS – 2nd 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 or 540-231-9186.

17. VT ENGAGE POSTER SHOWCASE – 2nd 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 or 540-231-9798.

18. SIGN UP FOR “INTERNATIONAL VOICES” – 2nd 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.

19. APPLICATIONS INVITED FOR EARLY CAREER DATA SHARE FELLOWSHIP – 2nd 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 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.

20. GA POSITION FOR 2017-18 FOR GRADUATE LIFE CENTER OPERATIONS – 2nd 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.

21. GA POSITION TO SUPPORT GRADUATE STUDENT ASSEMBLY FOR 2017-18 – 3rd 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. Email questions to kasey@vt.edu.

22. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR BIOFEEDBACK STUDY – 1st posting
VT researchers are inviting participants for a research project to gain information from biofeedback collected by galvanic skin response(GSR)* and electroencephalogram(EEG)** sensors while using an information system. Participants will have a headset that has EEG sensors and two finger bands that have GSR sensors to wear while using an information system. The experiment will be recorded by two video cameras. The recorded footage will be used for analyzing participants’ physical movements. Participants will also answer a questionnaire regarding their experience during the experiment. The total amount of time for participation is around 60 minutes. There is no direct benefit from participating in the study. The study will be published and participation is voluntary and confidential. Contact Kibong Song at gibbs@vt.edu for more information.

23. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR STUDY OF AUGMENTED REALITY – 1st posting
The Information Technology and Security Lab is conducting research on augmented reality and how it can assist cybersecurity professionals and improve the cybersecurity industry. Seeking volunteers 18 or older who are willing to use mobile augmented reality applications to perform investigative tasks and answer questions about their experiences. Tasks involve moving between four buildings and moving throughout the second floor of Newman Library. The entire survey will not take longer than 30 minutes. Volunteers are assured that personal information will remain confidential and will never be published in any way.  If interested, contact Brendan Mattina at mbrend15@vt.edu, 603-953-7060. 

Upcoming events:

ACADEMY FOR GTA EXCELLENCE PRESENTS: MORE WAYS OF PRACTICING SELF CARE
Wednesday, Feb 28, 6:15-8:00pm, GLC Room G
February is self-care month in the academy, some events are coming up that will help GTAs examine their current self-care practices and learn some new ones. At this session the group will discuss current self-care practices and why self-care is important for GTAs. Then, Amanda will host a “mindful moment” in which you will learn and practice some basic mindfulness exercises and discuss how mindfulness can be beneficial for your teaching and research. Posted on behalf of grad student Amanda Halliburton, ahallibu@vt.edu.

MY SISTER’S KEEPER PRESENTS: FINDING MY PATH
Wednesday, Mar 1, 11:30am, Owens Banquet Hall (registration begins at 10:45 am)

Dr. Kelly Oaks, Assistant VP for the Office of Equity and Accessibility  will share her journey working in higher education and the lessons she has learned along the way. Register online at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3ds7stjcoCT3Sp7. "My Sister’s Keeper" was created to promote networking and professional development opportunities among diverse graduate and faculty women, and to enhance scholarship, positive thinking and social and academic adjustment within the Virginia Tech community.

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.