1. WEEKLY WALK-IN SERVICES IN THE GLC – last updated 3/13/2017
– 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. RESEARCH A LA MODE PRESENTS: WHAT FUNCTIONS DO MINERALS FULFILL IN ANIMALS?
Monday, Mar 13, 5:30-6:30pm, Museum, 2062 Derring
In animals, bio-minerals make up hardened structures such as bones, teeth, shells, etc. As part of these different body parts, bio-minerals serve a wide variety of purposes that include filtering light and food, acting as compasses, and conferring material strength. This talk is about the example of bio-minerals inside the exoskeletons of crabs and lobsters and their possible function. Come for the talk and stay for free ice cream! 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, practice communicating their research to an audience that is unfamiliar with their discipline, and simplify and clarify their presentation skills. Posted on behalf of doctoral student Lisa Whalen, lashley@vt.edu.
3. VT MASTER PLAN STUDENT FORUM
Monday, Mar 13, 7:30-9:00pm, Squires Commonwealth Ballroom
Sasaki Associates and University Planning will host this student forum with a special breakout session for graduate students. A Town Hall forum will be held on Mar 14. More details for that event will be released via VTNews. Find more details about the student forum here: http://tinyurl.com/vtmasterplan2. Posted on behalf of BOV Grad Rep Tara Reel, tdreel@vt.edu.
4. APPALACHIAN “MEET ‘N EAT”
Tuesday, Mar 14, 12:00-1:30pm, American Indian & Indigenous Community Center, Squires ground floor
All who identify as being from Appalachia are welcome to join in the American Indian & Indigenous Community Center for good pizza, good friends and good conversation. The AI&IC Center is located on the ground floor of Squires, to the left of the information desk. Bring a story, memory or object that reminds you of home and share your experiences with other members of the community. For more information, contact grad student Amanda Halliburton (ahallibu@vt.edu <mailto:ahallibu@vt.edu> ).
3.14 PIE DAY CAFÉ SPECIAL EDITION
Tuesday, Mar 14, 3:00-4:00pm, GLC Reading Room
Enjoy free coffee and tea and some pie in honor of 3/14.
5. COVER LETTERS
Tuesday, Mar 14, 4:00-5:00pm, GLC Room G
Learn how to write a concise, expressive, and attention-grabbing cover letter that will have employers taking notice. Find out how to customize your letter and practice the elements and language needed to land the job you want, regardless of your degree program. Contact grad assistant Natalie Patterson for more information natpat@vt.edu .
6. OPEN MIC NIGHT
Tuesday, Mar 14, 5:00-7:00pm, GLC Student Lounge
Poets, musicians, storytellers and comedians, and their audience: celebrate Respect Week by sharing a part of your story through your medium of choice! Refreshments will be provided. Hosted by your GLC Fellows. For more information, contact Akhil Infant at akhil91@vt.edu <mailto:akhil91@vt.edu> .
7. GLC CAFÉ
Thursday, Mar 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! Bring your own mug if you can.
8. MARCH MADNESS BRACKET CHALLENGE: VT GAME 1
Thursday, Mar 16, GLC TV Lounge (across from the Auditorium)
Join the GLC Fellows in the March Madness Bracket Challenge! A prize will be awarded to the top bracket at the end of the tournament. The GLC Fellows will be screening Virginia Tech vs. Wisconsin game, as well as the tournament final! (Times/Dates TBD). Brackets must be filled out by tip-off of the first game on Mar 16. Contact Julia Vasquez at juliav@vt.edu with any questions. To join the ESPN bracket group, go to: https://tinyurl.com/h793q3m.
9. OVER-30 GRADS INTEREST MEETING
Friday, Mar 17, 6:00pm, 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> .
10. SPRING BADMINTON TOURNAMENT
Friday-Saturday, Mar 17-18 and 24-25, War Memorial Gym 125
Grad student Meghna Verma invites you to this badminton tournament. Keep a healthy balance between studies, work and physical activities and have some fun! Register at http://bit.ly/2mHvIFN (last day to register Mar 17, 6:00pm). Contact: bmt.club.vt@gmail.com <mailto:bmt.club.vt@gmail.com> for more info. Posted on behalf of Meghna Verma, meghna89@vt.edu.
11. ASIAN COOKING CLASS 1: CHINESE
Friday, Mar 17, 6:30-8:30pm, 203 Otey Street
Friday, Mar 24, 6:30-8:30pm, 203 Otey Street – Indian recipes
Three Asian cooking classes will be offered in March. The first session is Chinese cooking. Limited to 16 participants, $5 participation fee required. Please sign up here: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f044badac2da5fd0-chinese/ or at http http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f044badac2da5fd0-indian for Indian. Posted on behalf of doctoral student Soo Jeong Jo, soojeong@vt.edu.
12. DISSERTATION BOOT CAMP
Sunday, 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. Attend the last of these sessions and give your dissertation-writing some focused time! During these meetings, students will have their own quiet space to work, and grad-level Writing Center coaches will be present to provide assistance. Light refreshments provided (think caffeine and carbs) Brought to you by the Writing Center and the Graduate School.
13. VIRGINIA GOVERNOR’S FELLOWS PROGRAM – 1st posting
For graduate students interested in learning more about the administration of state government: full information at https://governor.virginia.gov/fellows/. A minimum $2000 stipend is available through Career and Professional Development for any selected VT student. Contact Amy McPherson at amcphers@vt.edu <mailto:amcphers@vt.edu> for more information about the stipend. Application deadline: Mar 31, 2017.
14. SUBMISSIONS INVITED FOR TORGERSEN AWARD – 1st posting
The submission are accepted for the Paul E. Torgersen Awards, aimed at highlighting the top research performed in the College of Engineering. To be eligible, you must be graduating in the calendar year of 2017. Submissions include an abstract on your research, written such that a general audience could understand it. Submissions are due to Ms. Crawford (bcrawfrd@vt.edu <mailto:bcrawfrd@vt.edu> ) by Mar 31 by 11:59pm. More information at http://www.gsc.eng.vt.edu/PET.htm. <http://www.gsc.eng.vt.edu/PET.html>
15. STUDENT ENGAGEMENT GRANTS – 1st reposting
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. There is up to $1,500 available in this year’s cycle. Either two awards of $750 or one $1,500 award will be granted. Learn more <http://engage.vt.edu/programs/grants_awards.html> and apply by March 24. Please contact Catherine Cotrupi with questions regarding JEDSEG at cotrupi@vt.edu <mailto:cotrupi@vt.edu> or 540-231-9186.
16. VT ENGAGE POSTER SHOWCASE – 1st reposting
Individuals or teams of students are encouraged to submit a poster proposal (see 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. Submission deadline: Friday, Mar 17. You will be notified by Tuesday, Mar 21 whether your proposal was accepted. Contact VT Engage with questions at engage@vt.edu <mailto:engage@vt.edu> or 540-231-9798.
17. MARCH MADNESS BRACKET CHALLENGE – 2nd posting
Join the GLC Fellows in the March Madness Bracket Challenge! A prize will be awarded to the top bracket at the end of the tournament. The GLC Fellows will be screening Virginia Tech vs. Wisconsin game this Thursday, Mar 16 in the GLC TV Lounge, as well as the tournament final! (Times/Dates TBD). Brackets must be filled out by tip-off of the first game on Mar 16. Contact Julia Vasquez at juliav@vt.edu <mailto:juliav@vt.edu> with any questions. To join the ESPN bracket group, go to: https://tinyurl.com/h793q3m.
18. CITIZEN SCHOLAR APPLICATIONS OPEN NOW – 2nd re-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.
19. FAIR USE WEEK CONTEST SUBMISSIONS INVITED – 2nd posting
VT Libraries invites grad students for this contest. See guidelines & entry form at http://guides.lib.vt.edu/fairuseweek/contest. VT students, staff, & faculty are eligible to submit entries. Prizes are Amazon Gift Cards: 1st – $100; 2nd – $75; 3rd – $50. Submit your entry by Mar 13, 2017 in any format (from an art piece or blog post draft to an audio work, essay, or educational material: (1) create something to inform or engage others in thinking about Fair Use, or (2) share an example of how you’ve benefited from Fair Use along with a Fair Use Analysis. Get support to develop your submission: fairuseweek-g@vt.edu or sign up to attend a Submission Development Workshop: https://goo.gl/forms/5sx7QizMkRk8mFUv1. Posted on behalf of Ginny Pannabecker, vpannabe@vt.edu.
20. GSA GRAD RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED – MAR 14-22 – 2nd posting
Do you have a research idea that deserves funding? The GSA Graduate Research Development Program provides research grant funds to support graduate research. PhD students may be awarded up to $1,000 and master’s students up to $750 to support their projects. The application is now open and will close on March 22 at 11:59pm. The application and more information may be found at tinyurl.com/vtgrdp <http://tinyurl.com/vtgrdp> . If you have questions, contact GRDP Chair Adwoa Baah-Dwomoh at gsaGRDP@gmail.com .
21. SUBMISSIONS INVITED TO GLC PHOTO AND ART CONTEST – 3rd posting
The Graduate School invites submissions of art work and photography by graduate students for display in the GLC during Graduate Education Week (Mar 27-31) and beyond. Submissions are limited to three pieces (art and/or photography) per graduate student. This year’s theme: Live. Learn. Explore. Globally. Learn more at http://graduateschool.vt.edu/graduate-life-center/glc-art-and-photo-contest.html Submission deadline: Thursday, Mar 22, 2017.
22. CALL FOR INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH HONOR SOCIETY MEMBERS – 3rd posting
The Interdisciplinary Research Honor Society (Iota Delta Rho – IDR) invites applications for full or associate membership. IDR creates a thriving community of scholars across VT who work to integrate different disciplines, theories, methods, etc. Show how you integrate interdisciplinary research! Both graduate and undergraduate students who are heading their own projects are accepted. Apply by Apr 2, 2017. Learn more about IDR at: http://www.idrsociety.org/category/news/ The application can be found at: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8qwNOiSqY8KJffL. Contact Melissa Kenny (mck66@vt.edu) with questions.
23. UNION INNOVATION CHALLENGE 2017 – 3rd posting
Students are invited to submit proposals for the challenge to be help on Apr 6, 2017. Build an epic team, put your enterprising minds together and come up with an innovation tht could net you $7,500 to fund your project in an area such as equipment, fan engagement, stadium experience, security/safety, services, training, food & nutrition, wearables, and wellness applications. This year’s theme: Sports and Fitness. Learn more and submit at: http://www.apexcie.vt.edu/unionchallenge/.
24. NOMINATIONS ACCEPTED FOR GSA ELECTIONS 2017-18 – 3rd posting
Nominations for executive position in the Graduate Student Assembly (GSA) are due by 12pm on Mar 23, 2017. Candidates must self-nominate by emailing GSA Parliamentarian Steve Haring at sharing@vt.edu <mailto:sharing@vt.edu> and are encouraged to attend the Mar 23 General Assembly meeting. Nominations received by the deadline will appear on the official ballot during the elections at the Apr 20 meeting, and candidates will have their written statements distributed to delegates in advance of elections. Nominations received after the deadline require majority approval of the assembly, and must be written in during the election. All current graduate students are eligible to run for office. Involvement with GSA leadership is a great way to build service credit for your CV, get involved with a cross-disciplinary community of graduate students, and meet students from across the university. Learn more at http://tinyurl.com/GSA-elections-2017. Email questions to sharing@vt.edu. Posted on behalf of the GSA Judicial and Electoral Affairs Committee.
25. BOV GRAD REP HOSTS PRESIDENT’S LUNCHEON: APPLY NOW! – 3rd posting
The graduate student representative to the Board of Visitors will be hosting a luncheon with President Sands, Provost Rikakis, and Dean DePauw on Mar 16 at noon at The Inn in Preston’s. If you are interested in participating, please fill out a brief survey at http://tinyurl.com/bovpreslunch. An email confirmation will be sent to you if selected to attend. Posted on behalf of current BOV grad rep Tara Reel, tdreel@vt.edu.
26. INTEREST POLL FOR SCIENTISTS’ MARCH ON WASHINGTON – 3rd posting
Are you interested in attending the Scientist’s March on Washington, Apr 22, 2017? Students are attempting to arrange a bus from VT campus to Washington DC, leaving campus at 5 am on the morning of April 22. If you are interested in riding the bus and attending the event, fill out the doodle poll at http://doodle.com/poll/kcp2nagd6wv5hpha so that organizers can gauge interest. Posted on behalf of grad student Allison Pekkanen, apekk@vt.edu.
27. GRADUATE RESIDENTIAL FELLOW OPENINGS IN WEST AJ – 2nd posting
VT residential college is seeking three graduate residential fellows for 2017-18. This is not a graduate assistantship, but it provides free housing and a free on-campus meal plan, so it can be supplemental to traditional funding. Graduate fellows are expected to add to the intellectual/ academic life of the Residential College at West AJ. All disciplines are encouraged to apply. More information about the position at https://docs.google.com/document/d/1OwssvFS6ezbKx6uctmnOpawxPy0U8Ov-qPXT8jC2vc8/edit?usp=sharing. Posted on behalf of faculty principal of residential college at West AJ Matthew Gabriel.
28. GA OPPORTUNITY IN OIRED FOR 2017-18 – 2nd posting
The Women and Gender in International Development (WGD) program at the Office of International Research, Education, and Development (OIRED) (www.oired.vt.edu/wgd <http://www.oired.vt.edu/wgd> ) is seeking a Graduate Assistant to support organizing events and other administrative aspects, literature searches, writing and editing, and managing media posts surrounding WGD activities. The WGD program ensures a gender-sensitive approach to all projects and raises awareness at VT about gender and international development issues. Academic-year funding including tuition and stipend. Must have a background in geography, sociology, agricultural economics, gender studies, or a related field; demonstrated interest in international development and gender issues; and research experience. Only the most qualified applicants will be contacted. See http://www.oired.vt.edu/job-opportunities/wgd-ga/ for details.
29. GRAD STUDENT WAGE OPENING IN OIRED – 3rd posting
The Office of International Research, Education, and Development (OIRED) is looking for a graduate student (wage) to work up to 20 hours per week on projects and other initiatives, including providing support to project development and efforts to identify and respond to project funding opportunities. The graduate student will contribute to proposal preparation and help with the due diligence and preparation (research) that goes into responses to funding opportunities. S/he will support on-going project work as appropriate. Preference is for a student with experience and/or demonstrated interest in working internationally. If interested, submit resume and cover letter to Patricia S. Hughes at Tish50@vt.edu before Mar 22, 2017.
30. 2017-2018 GLC FELLOW POSITION OPENING – 3rd 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 the 2017-18 academic year. 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 and resume, and fully complete the following survey: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_08rf9GDR6uKdG0B. 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 Monday, Mar 13, 2017. Contact Lauren Surface at lkeister@vt.edu <mailto:lkeister@vt.edu> or Sam Harbison at samlh@vt.edu <mailto:samlh@vt.edu> if you have questions.
31. STUDENTS SOUGHT TO ASSIST WITH PRE-DEPARTURE ORIENTATION PROGRAMS – 1st posting
Grad students who has spent time in the following countries or are international students from: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, China, Iceland, Ireland, Japan, South Africa, South Korea, Netherlands, Puerto Rico, Sweden or Thailand are sought by VT Global Education to assist with pre-departure orientation programs scheduled for Tuesday, Apr 18, Goodwin Hall, 8:00pm – 9:30pm for students who will be leaving soon to study abroad in Summer/Fall 2017. A vital part of this program is hearing from students who are from or familiar with the above listed countries during break-out sessions, which are often the most helpful and enjoyable part of the event. Contact Laura Castle if you are willing to help: lecastle@vt.edu.
32. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: GSA RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM – MAR 29 – 1st posting
The GSA Research Symposium is coming up on Mar 29 with the theme of FUSION – Diversifying, connecting and amalgamating perspectives across disciplines. All volunteers will receive food and drink on the day of the event and free entry to the GSA Beer and Wine Social. Please fill out the survey at the following link by Wednesday, Mar 15: tinyurl.com/GSARSvolunteer <http://tinyurl.com/GSARSvolunteer> to apply. Posted on behalf of Gary Nave, gknave@vt.edu.
33. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR 15-MIN ONLINE SURVEY – 2nd posting
Are you or have you recently been in a relationship with someone you met online? If so, VT researcher would love to hear from you. Grad student Dana Riger is conducting research on the stories people tell about meeting their partners online. Participants must be 18 or older and currently (or within the past 5 years) in a relationship with someone they met online. In the context of this study, online may include traditional dating sites, apps, and online personal ads, as well as online gaming or social media. In exchange for your time, you may enter a drawing to win one of three $50 Amazon gift cards (with a 1 in 20 odds). If interested, take this anonymous 15-minute survey at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_6DtIq7rBfU57asZ. Posted on behalf of Dana Riger, driger@vt.edu.
34. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR EXPERIENCES OF INTL TEACHING ASSISTANTS AT VT STUDY – 3rd posting
VT researchers are conducting a study to understand the experiences of international teaching assistants (ITAs) at VT. You may be eligible to participate if you are a graduate teaching assistant in an engineering department at the university with an F-1 or a J-1 visa. The study involves 2-3 interviews lasting approximately 60-90 minutes each and weekly journal responses taking about 15-30 minutes each. As part of the study, researcher(s) will observe your in-class teaching for 4-5 class periods during Spring 2017. Compensation: $30 to be given in two equal installments, first in the beginning of the study and the second at completion of one month. Contact Ashish Agrawal in Engineering Education, 540-922-5125 or ashishag@vt.edu for more info.
Upcoming events:
EXPLORE THE ART OF TEACHING: FORUM WITH ELIZABETH COLEMAN
Tuesday, Mar 21, 7:30pm, Moss Arts Center
Hosted by the Academy of Teaching Excellence, this event features Elizabeth Coleman, a visionary educator and former president of Bennington College, who will present a talk on the noble art of teaching. See details at http://liberalarts.vt.edu/college-news/elizabeth-coleman.html.
UPLIFTING BLACK MEN CONFERENCE – register now!
Friday, Mar 24, 8:30am- 5:30pm, The Inn and Skelton Conference Center
Grad students are invited to the 2nd Annual Uplifting Black Men Conference hosted by the VT Black Male Excellence Network. This year the focus is on empowering Black men through the sharing of stories of persistence from several successful Virginia Tech alumni. All ethnic groups are welcome with the goal of providing insight into lived experience of Black males to a multitude of cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Registration is free but required for attendance; see conference website: https://vtbmen.com/2017-conference/. With questions contact Carley Wilson, carlmw1@exchange.vt.edu or Mordecai Harvey, mordie02@vt.edu.
INTERVARSITY GRADUATE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP SPRING RETREAT
Friday, Mar 24, 8:00pm – Sunday, Mar 26, 11:00am near Lexington, VA (1.5 hours from VT)
All VT graduate students are welcome to join in a restful weekend of new friendships, indoor/outdoor recreation, Bible study and prayer in a relaxed setting away from campus. Cost is $35 (scholarships are available). For more information and to register online, visit <https://gcfvt.wordpress.com/spring-retreat/>. Contact Robert Howe (robahowe@gmail.com) with any questions.
GLC LASER TAG AT PANDAPAS POND (OUTDOOR)
Saturday, Mar 25, 12:30pm-4:30pm
It is time for bonding fun, teamwork collaboration, and stress relief physical activity. Rain or shine, run around outdoors and…laser tag, ‘nuff said! Join your fellow grad students on a free trip to Pandapas Pond. This event is hosted by your GLC fellows and LCAT: Laser Tag Club at Virginia Tech. Fill out this survey to sign up: http://survey.az1.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_7WJs8kad2VVOe1L. Contact GLC fellow Erik Fendik at ef@vt.edu if you have any questions.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR GRADUATE EDUCATION WEEK 2017: Mar 27-31
Attend professional development events and GSA research symposium, watch a free movie at the lyric, enjoy a free breakfast with the dean or coffee and tea from around the world, and finish the week with the big cook out on the Grad School lawn. See http://graduateschool.vt.edu/student-life/graduate-education-week.html for a full schedule of events. Some may require registration.