April 3-9, 2017

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. STUDENT ENGINEERS ABROAD COUNCIL POSTER SHOWCASE AND PANEL
Tuesday, Apr 4, 6:00pm, Surge 109
From 6-6:30pm, listen to a group of student panelists speak about internships, study abroad and international service followed by Q&A. From 6:30-7pm, the event will turn into an informal poster hall. Stay to check out student study abroad posters and enjoy free catered Sub Station!

3. THE FINAL PIECE: EVALUATING AND NEGOTIATING OFFERS
Wednesday, Apr 5, 5:30-6:30pm, Room F
It’s the call you’ve been waiting for: a job offer! What should you consider before you say yes? Attend this session to find out items to focus on as you review your offer and learn tips for salary negotiation. Please register in advance: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_bNIIAbH4OQV2j2Z

4. ANXIETY/OCD SUPPORT GROUP
Wednesday, Apr 5, 6:30-7:30pm, GLC Room A
Do you need help dealing with your anxiety? With obsessive and/or compulsive symptoms? You don’t have to battle alone, join others struggling with these difficulties. Learn tools and strategies to properly manage your anxiety and/or OCD. Understand the role anxiety and discomfort may play in your life. Email Lauren Delk, from the Virginia Tech Psychological Services Center, at ladelk@vt.edu <mailto:ladelk@vt.edu>  for more information.

5. BREAKFAST WITH THE DEAN: ROANOKE EDITION
Thursday, Apr 6, 9:00am-11:00am, VTCRI Room 3012
Do you love breakfast as much as Ron Swanson? Are you a VT graduate student that lives and/or works in Roanoke? Do you have a topic you’re longing to discuss with Dean Karen DePauw of the Graduate School? If you said "yes" to any of these questions, then mark your calendars for a special Roanoke Edition of Breakfast with the Dean. This event is free to all graduate students, and will be held at the Virginia Tech Carillon Research Institute (VTCRI) in Room 3012. Breakfast will be provided. Contact kiwi@vt.edu with any additional questions.

6. GLC CAFÉ
Thursday, Apr 6, 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. 

7. STRESS MANAGEMENT FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Friday, Apr 7, 2:00-3:30pm, GLC Room C
Are you stressed by the current political environment? Are you from a country that is impacted by recent executive orders? Cook Counseling Center is offering this group session for international students to help them manage their anxieties and develop coping techniques.

8. GSA TRAVEL FUND PROGRAM APPLICATION – APR 4-11 – 1st posting
The Graduate Student Assembly’s Travel Fund Program will open for applications on April 4th and close on April 11th 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 January 1 and July 31, 2017. If you have questions, contact TFP Chair Zack Shiner at gsaTravelFund@gmail.com

9. HELP CREATE A THEME FOR BIANNUAL BLACK ALUMNI REUNION – 2nd posting
Students are invited to submit ideas for the celebration of Black Alumni Reunion, which this year marks 50 years of black organizations at VT, including 50th anniversary of Groove Phi Groove, 50th anniversary of the Human Relations Council, a celebration of 45 years of NPHC at VT, and 40th Anniversary of BSA. Help to create a theme for the reunion by submitting an entry to Latanya Walker, latanya@vt.edu <mailto:latanya@vt.edu> . If your theme is chosen, you will receive a bag of Hokie gifts to add to your collection.

10. GSA "DR. RICH" CAP & GOWN PROGRAM FOR GRADS: LOTTERY OPEN MAR 27-APR 14 – 2nd  posting
If you are graduating this spring and/or participating in commencement ceremonies, you are eligible to borrow a graduate cap and gown from the GSA for free! The "Dr. Rich" Cap & Gown Program loans a limited number of gowns and caps to grad students participating in Spring 2017 graduation ceremonies via a lottery. Caps and gowns must then be returned to the GSA in acceptable condition for cleaning and use by future graduating students. Enter the lottery at http://tinyurl.com/gsacapgown-spring17 by Friday, Apr 14 at 5pm EDT. Those chosen in the lottery will be notified no later than Apr 21, and must still purchase their own hoods, tassels, and any other required regalia. All items are used, but gowns have been dry cleaned and steamed, and caps have been disinfected. Questions? Email gsacapgown@gmail.com.

11. DISSERTATION INSTITUTE FOR UNDERREPRESENTED GRADS IN ENGINEERING – 2nd posting
The 2017 Dissertation Institute, an interactive workshop for underrepresented (African American, native American, Pacific Island and Hispanic American) graduate students in engineering, addresses issues that prolong completion times for those at the dissertation proposal preparation and dissertation completion stages. The Institute is funded by NSF and hosted by Old Dominion University and VT. The Dissertation Institute will take place June 11–16 at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County campus and focus on skills and strategies needed to successfully complete the dissertation process and provide networking opportunities to build connections for future collaborative career advancement. Participants will build writing habits, work on their dissertation or proposal, and learn skills that will help them continue making progress. Housing and meals provided; reimbursement for travel costs up to $500. Learn more at www.dissertationinstitute.com; send questions to dissertationinstitute@gmail.com. Posted on behalf of doctoral student Mayra Artiles.

12. NOMINATIONS INVITED FOR INNOVATIVE ETD AWARDS – 3rd posting
Virginia Tech is a member of the Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations (NDLTD), and NDLTD is seeking nominations for student awards. Several annual awards, each $1,000 are for innovative multimedia ETDs, or ETDs demonstrating innovation in other ways.  Current students whose ETDs will be produced later may want to keep this opportunity in mind as they undertake their research. See announcement at http://www.ndltd.org. Application deadline: May 31, 2017.

13. RETURNED PEACE CORPS VOLUNTEERS INVITED TO JOIN LOCAL GROUP – 3rd posting
Returned Peace Corps volunteer or staff are invited to join a growing local group of fellow volunteers and staff of over 70. Contacting peacecorps@vt.edu. Posted on behalf of grad student Rachael Kennedy.

14. ON-CAMPUS HOUSING FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS – 3rd posting
Housing & Residence Life is currently accepting students for on-campus housing for the 2017-2018 school year. The GLC at Donaldson Brown and Main Campbell Hall are open to graduate students interested in living in double or single rooms. For room rates and more information, visit: http://housing.vt.edu/contracts/apply/graduate_students.html or contact housing@vt.edu.

15. TWO GA POSITIONS IN MAOP FOR 2017-18 – 1st posting
The Multicultural Academic Opportunities Program is seeking two full time GAs for next year to assist with the planning, delivery and assessment of support programs. Must have high level of initiative and strong interpersonal, organizational, leadership, and presentation skills; must be able to comfortably interact with all individuals in a diverse, multicultural environment. Occasional evening and weekend work required. Must have regular office hours. Preference given to students in master’s program in education or related fields. Submit a resume and cover letter to Monica Hunter at monicah@vt.eduResumes will be accepted until position is filled.

16. GA POSITION IN GLOBAL ENGINEERING, ENGAGEMENT AND RESEARCH-1st posting
The Office of Global Engineering, Engagement and Research in the College of Engineering has a graduate assistantship opening beginning Fall 2017. This is a full-time assistantship (20 hours per week) open to masters or PhD level students. The GA will support a number of international initiatives in the college. A background and interest in international education, study abroad program coordination, and international research is a plus. Interested students may submit their resume and a cover letter outlining their qualifications and interest in the position to April Keene at ipitadmin@vt.edu <mailto:ipitadmin@vt.edu> . Students should include “GEER GA” in the subject line of their email. Materials must be received by Wednesday, April 12, 2017.

17.  FULL-TIME GA POSITION IN CONTROLLER’S OFFICE FOR 2017-18 – 3rd posting
The Controller’s Office is seeking a full-time (20 hrs/wk) graduate assistant to work in the areas of general accounting, payroll, and accounts payable. Position begins in Aug. Duties include working on Retirement System calculations and assisting with ensuring that the deductions are correct; assisting with the review, monitoring and follow-up of special faculty payments to ensure compliance with university policies; assisting with the documentation and implementation of the new version VT’s electronic timekeeping system; and other tasks. Additional info at https://drive.google.com/a/vt.edu/file/d/0B2lSMLVxGF10ZnR1dGU4RnN1TGM/view?usp=sharing.  Submit a cover letter, resume and three references at  https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_1TFlanV7PpVW12B. Contact Kim Linkous, 540-231-8560 or linkousk@vt.edu <mailto:linkousk@vt.edu>  with questions. 

18. GA OPENING IN STUDENT SUCCESS CENTER – 3rd posting
The graduate assistant (20 hours/week) reports to an Assistant Director in the SSC. The GA will be responsible for assisting with the planning and delivery of several academic support programs. Position requires a high level of initiative and strong interpersonal, organizational, leadership, and presentation skills. Weekly evening hours and occasional weekend work required. Interested applicants should submit a resume to Sachim@vt.edu <mailto:Sachim@vt.edu>   Resumes will be accepted until position is filled. For questions contact Sachiel Mondesir at Sachim@vt.edu <mailto:Sachim@vt.edu>   Full job description at  https://drive.google.com/file/d/0ByOlgAsl50HXQkZCSG91YnZremc/view?ths=true.

19. PT GRAD OPENING FOR PEACE COPRS RECRUITER POSITION – 3rd posting
The VT Office of International Research, Education, and Development (OIRED) is searching for a graduate student who is a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer (RPCV) to serve as the Campus Peace Corps Recruiter part-time (20 hours/week). The recruiter will serve as the main point of contact at VT and other local universities for students and others interested in joining the Peace Corps. Position begins fall 2017 and runs through spring 2018. The successful candidate will receive graduate school tuition remission and a stipend equivalent to a graduate assistantship in his/her department. Application deadline: Friday, May 12. See more at :  http://www.oired.vt.edu/job-opportunities/campus-peace-corps-recruiter-part-time/ <http://www.oired.vt.edu/job-opportunities/campus-peace-corps-recruiter-part-time/> . 

20. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR ONLINE CARD SORTING STUDY – 1st posting
VT IT is conducting an online card sorting study to explore how best to organize information presented within the IT Service Catalog. Qualifying participants will receive $5 Jimmy John’s gift card.  Participants first complete a demographic questionnaire, then, use an online card sorting tool and get several cards, each of which will be printed with an element of the Service Catalog. You will then organize the cards into categories that make the most sense to you. The online session will last 30-40 minutes, anytime and anywhere at your convenience. The study will continue through April 7. Once you agree to participate, you will be sent the online card sorting link. Contact itee-ux@vt.edu <mailto:itee-UX@vt.edu>  for information or to participate.

21. GSA GRAD RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM REVIEW HELP NEEDED – 2nd posting
Want to know the cutting-edge research graduate students are conducting here at VT? How about a new line on your CV? The GSA needs your help with reviewing applications for the Graduate Research Development Program (GRDP). Grad students in the social sciences, business, humanities, or education are needed to review applications.  If you are willing to be a reviewer, fill out this survey: https://tinyurl.com/GRDPreview, and the GRDP Chair will email you further instructions. If you want more details about what is entailed in reviewing or have any other questions, contact GRDP Chair Adwoa Baah-Dwomoh at gsaGRDP@gmail.com <mailto:gsaGRDP@gmail.com>

22. VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT FOR STUDY ON HEALTH, DIET & PHYSICAL ACTIVITY REWARDS – 2nd posting
Volunteers needed for a study examining whether delayed discounting (small reward now or larger reward later) is related to health, diet, and physical activity level. Must be: male or female, any race and ethnicity; ages of 18-65; Body Mass Index between 22-40 kg/m2; not trying to gain or lose weight; have not gained or lost weight in the past 6 months; willing to participate in two testing sessions (~ 5 hrs of time); willing to have blood drawn, body fat assessed, an oral glucose tolerance test, fill out questionnaires related to diet and physical activity, and wear a physical activity monitor for 4 days. Participants will receive information related to body composition, diet and physical activity level, and blood glucose and lipids (cholesterol).  The total amount possible for participation is $60.  If interested, contact the VT Skeletal Muscle Substrate Metabolism Lab: vtsmsmlab@gmail.com, 540-739-2522.

23. INVITATION TO PARTICIPATE IN STUDY ABOUT WEARABLE EXOSKELETONS – 2nd posting
Must be male or female; 18-55 years old; no current or recent history of musculoskeletal disorders. Experiment Details: participants will be asked to perform a simulated drilling task without and with three exoskeletons. Two experimental sessions (each ~3.5 hour) are required to complete the study. Compensation: $10/hour. If interested, call or email Saad Alabdulkarim at iesaad@vt.edu <mailto:iesaad@vt.edu> , (206-859- 9146). 

24. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR STUDY OF CELEBRITY ENDORSED FOOD/DRINK PRODUCTS – 2nd  posting
A Ph.D. student conducting a study about celebrity endorsement for branded food and beverage products in the US is seeking 40 male and female participants ages 23-36 who are US citizens, racially and ethnically diverse, including Latino/Hispanic, African and Asian American. The study involves completing three activities: celebrity recognition survey, celebrity picture card sort, and a post-card sort questionnaire, which will take no more than 60 minutes to complete. Participants will receive a $10.00-dollar Amazon gift card after completing all study activities. If interested, contact Mi Zhou at mi14@vt.edu.

25. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR STUDY OF MOBILE AUGMENTED REALITY APPLICATIONS – 3rd posting
The Information Technology and Security Lab is conducting research on augmented reality and its personal and professional impact on awareness of threats to cybersecurity and privacy. Volunteers 18 or older are sought, with or without technical experience who are willing to use both AR and non-AR mobile applications to perform investigative tasks and answer questions about their experiences. Tasks involve walking in and around Newman Library. The entire survey will take approximately 60 minutes. Volunteers are assured that personal information will remain confidential and will never be published in any way. If interested in participating, contact Brendan Mattina at mbrend15@vt.edu, 603-953-7060.

26. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR STUDY OF MIDDLE EASTERN IMMIGRANT WOMEN – 3rd posting
Grad student Taysir Al Janabi is seeking participants for a capstone project research study regarding the perceptions of sexual assault and rape among Middle Eastern immigrant women in the southwest area of Virginia. Middle Eastern immigrant women who identify as Muslims and are interested in participating should email Taysir80@vt.edu   or call 540-251-1006.

Upcoming events:

COMMUNITY VOICES PRESENTS: THE INDEPENDENCE OF THE INTL CIVIL SERVANT
Monday, Apr 10, 12:00-1:00pm
Francesco Manca, a retired senior United Nations official, is featured at this roundtable discussion on “The independence of the international civil servant:  a duty or an option?”.  The roundtable will be followed by a Trustees Without Boarders podcast interview.  The event is sponsored by the College of Architecture and Urban Studies, SPIA, the Division of Student Affairs, the Institute for Society, Culture and Environment, the Institute for Policy and Governance, OIRED, the Dept of Agricultural Leadership and Community Education, and Dean’s Advisory Committee on International Initiatives. Bring your own lunch or register for a $5 lunch at regina50@vt.edu <mailto:regina50@vt.edu> . Admission is free.

OPEN DATA WEEK APR 10-13
Open Data week offers opportunities to learn more about sharing, visualizing, finding, mining, and reusing data for research. Full schedule and more info: http://bit.ly/VTopendataweek2017. Registration is requested at http://guides.lib.vt.edu/OpenDataWeek/RSVP.

START SMART: SALARY NEGOTIATION FOR WOMEN
Tuesday, Apr 11, 5:00-6:30pm, GLC Room C
This workshop is designed to empower women and provide them with the tools to negotiate salaries and benefits as they approach the job market. Participants work through some exercises to learn negotiation skills, understand the personal consequences of the gender wage gap, review how to benchmark salaries and benefits, and gain insight into their own bottom line and personal budget. Please register if you are planning to attend: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0fhAKGIVwkz1Bw9.

APPALACHIAN “MEET ‘N EAT”
Tuesday, Apr 11, 12:00-1:30pm, American Indian & Indigenous Community Center
All students, faculty and staff who identify as Appalachian are welcome to join for good pizza, good friends and good conversation. The 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! Interested participants should fill out a brief survey at http://tinyurl.com/appmeetneat4. For more information, contact grad student Amanda Halliburton (ahallibu@vt.edu <mailto:ahallibu@vt.edu> ).

PROFESSIONALIZING YOUR WRITING
Monday, Apr 17, 1:00-3:00pm, GLC Room C
Graduate student coaches from the writing center will provide guidance on understanding writing tasks rhetorically, exploring common writing mistakes and recognizing and fixing your own, and developing strategies for improving the clarity of your writing. Register at http://www.lib.vt.edu/spaces/writing if interested in attending.

VALUING KNOWLEDGE: A VT GrATE TEACH-IN
Tuesday, Apr 18, 5:00-7:00pm, GLC Room F, 7:00-9:00pm, GLC Auditorium
The Virginia Tech Graduate Academy for Teaching Excellence (VT GrATE) is proud to present “Valuing Knowledge: A VT GrATE Teach-In.” As graduate students, instructors, and members of the Virginia Tech community, we affirm our commitment to valuing and respecting all forms of knowledge. We seek strength in diversity and believe that understanding across differences is necessary to build community both in and out of the classroom. Through interactive workshops, panel discussions, and presentations, we invite dialogue on topical issues ranging from communicating science to fostering inclusive classroom environments and beyond. Everyone is welcome at this non-partisan event. Light refreshments will be available. We also invite all participants to join VT GrATE and the Coalition for Justice at the Satellite March for Science on April 22nd, beginning at 4:30 PM on Henderson Lawn. 

2ND ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT CEREMONY – sign up now!
Thursday, May 11, 9:00-11:00am, GLC Auditorium
Graduating international students are invited to this ceremony to celebrate the achievements of undergraduate and graduate international students, and highlight the important contributions that international students make throughout the university and the broader community. The program will feature remarks from a keynote speaker as well as an undergrad and a grad student speaker. Participating students will receive a stole they are able to wear during the grad and undergrad commencement ceremonies. Registration is required at http://baseline.campuslabs.com/vpiasu/vtcac17 by April 15. If you have questions, contact international@vt.edu <mailto:international@vt.edu>  or call 231-6527.