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. 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. Admission is free.
3. RESEARCH A LA MODE PRESENTS: WHAT IS MOLECULAR PALEONTOLOGY?
Monday, Apr 10, 5:30-6:30pm, 2062 Derring
An overview of the relatively new subfield of molecular paleontology, which uses cutting-edge technology to examine organic preservation in fossils, a new way of studying the biology of extinct animals. Caitlin Colleary will share the results of the research that she have done on melanin preservation and identifying color and color patterning in extinct animals and the work she is doing now for her PhD on protein preservation. 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. The main idea is to give graduate students an opportunity to practice communicating their research to an audience that is unfamiliar with their discipline in order to cut down on reliance on jargon and to simplify and clarify their presentation skills. RALM aims to help graduate students become better teachers, researchers and communicators.
4. 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.
5. 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).
6. 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.
7. US STUDENT FULBRIGHT INFORMATION SESSIONS
Thursday, Apr 13, 10am, 1pm, 2:30p, 5pm, and 6pm, GLC Room C
These interactive workshops will introduce participants to the US Student Fulbright program, which opened its application cycle on April 3 for grants to be awarded for the 2018 – 2019 academic year. The Fulbright program is an exchange initiative of the US State Department and offers US citizens funding opportunities for independent research/study projects, graduate degree enrollment, and English teaching assistantships in more than 140 countries. Eligible applicants include graduating seniors, recent graduates, master’s and doctoral candidates, and young professionals with up to 5 years of professional study and/or experience. Students at all academic levels are welcome to attend. Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to begin planning their candidacy early. The VT campus deadline is September 1, 2017.Students who are unable to attend this session can make an individual advising appointment.
8. GLC CAFÉ
Thursday, Apr 13, 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.
9. UndocuAlly TRAINING WORKSHOP
Thursday, Apr 13 AND Thursday, Apr 20 6:30-8:30pm, GLC Room G and GLC Room C
The mission of Tech DREAMers is to create a more inclusive environment for all undocumented students at Virginia Tech through education and advocacy. One of the ways we hope to achieve our mission is through “UndocuAlly” training sessions in which we invite faculty, staff and students at Virginia Tech to increase their knowledge of issues relating to undocumented students in Virginia. Snacks will be provided. If you plan on participating, you must sign up – please only sign-up if you know you can attend: https://docs.google.com/a/vt.edu/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScbmv5HNHljeqnIWoOGT1XpvpZLHGDumJpUn7ilTluUZJmRbA/viewform?usp=sf_link
10. VTGrATE: WORKSHOP ON TECHNOLOGY
Friday, Apr 14, 1:30-2:30pm, GLC Room G
VT Graduate Academy of Teaching Excellence presents a workshop on Technology in the Classrooms. Liz Spingola from the College of Engineering’s Information Technology (Instructional Technology Team) will lead this workshop. She will give a short presentation on technologies which may be relevant to GTAs from 1:30-2:00, after which we will open the floor to specific questions/concerns of the attendees.
11. CAREER AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT STUDENT ADVISORY BOARD APPLICATIONS-1ST posting
Are you interested in having your voice heard on marketing, new events, software, services, and other aspects of Virginia Tech’s Career and Professional Development? Consider applying for the 2017-2018 Student Advisory Board, where students will gather once a month to give feedback on how our office can best serve the Virginia Tech community! We are specifically looking for masters and doctoral students across the university who will be able to bring diverse perspectives and represent their departments, colleges, and campus groups. If you are interested in participating in this great opportunity to become involved on campus and give back to your institution, please go to http://career.vt.edu/about/student-advisory-board.html for more information, or contact Mr. Steven White at whitesm@vt.edu. Applications are due Monday, April 17 at noon.
12. INTELLIGENCE COMMUNITY SCHOLARS PROGRAM – 1st posting
The Hume Center for National Security and Technology is accepting applications for its Intelligence Community Scholars Program. The IC Scholars Program is open to both current and admitted graduate and undergraduate students from any major. Recipients of these awards participate in the National Security Education Program (NSEP), giving them access to events and resources exclusively for NSEP members, while they conduct research projects related to the intelligence community or national security. Scholarships range from $1500 to $15,000 per year. Applications are due Monday, April 24. Applicants should be United States citizens with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Applications and more information can be found at hume.vt.edu/scholars or by contacting Stephanie Plum at splum@vt.edu.
13. GSA TRAVEL FUND PROGRAM APPLICATION – APR 4-11 – 2nd 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
14. HELP CREATE A THEME FOR BIANNUAL BLACK ALUMNI REUNION – 3rd 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. If your theme is chosen, you will receive a bag of Hokie gifts to add to your collection.
15. GSA "DR. RICH" CAP & GOWN PROGRAM FOR GRADS: LOTTERY OPEN MAR 27-APR 14 – 3rd 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.
16. DISSERTATION INSTITUTE FOR UNDERREPRESENTED GRADS IN ENGINEERING – 3rd 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.
17. GA POSITION IN BLACK CULTURAL CENTER – 1st posting
The Black Cultural Center is seeking one full-time (20 hours a week) graduate assistant to assist with the development and planning of center programs and initiatives. Must be a self-starter with great 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 is required. Interested applicants should submit a resume, cover letter, and references to Nicole Johnson at nicj712@vt.edu. Resumes will be accepted until the position is filled.
17.5 ENGINEERING EDUCATION PAID INTERNSHIPS – 1st posting
The Department of Engineering Education is seeking paid interns for the College of Engineering New Student Orientation. Position details and mandatory dates can be found at http://www.enge.vt.edu/_files/undergraduate/advising_internship.pdf and the application can be found here: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0ex0XA7X1c5hfpP. If you have questions, contact Marlena Lester at marlenal@vt.edu.
18. TWO GA POSITIONS IN MAOP FOR 2017-18 – 2nd 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.edu. Resumes will be accepted until position is filled.
19. GA POSITION IN GLOBAL ENGINEERING, ENGAGEMENT AND RESEARCH-2nd 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. Students should include “GEER GA” in the subject line of their email. Materials must be received by Wednesday, April 12, 2017.
20. TEACHER TRAINEES INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN RESEARCH STUDY – 1st posting
We are recruiting Seniors and Graduate Students interested in becoming urban teachers to provide us with feedback on an interactive training system (IVT) designed to give teachers practice interacting with disruptive animated characters in a virtual classroom environment. We Need Your Help To: 1. Identify usability problems with the training system 2. Improve the training system based on feedback. Students will participate in one Feedback Session (about 1-2 hours) in Whittemore Hall on Virginia Tech’s Blacksburg campus. Participants will be compensated $20/hour (prorated $10 for every half hour) for their participation. Appointments will likely be in the May 3 – 5th time frame. To learn more, please email Ali Haskins Lisle at ahaskins@vt.edu
21. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR VIDEO – 1st posting
The Virginia Tech Graduate Academy for Teaching Assistant Excellence (VT GrATE) is proud to present “Valuing Knowledge: A VT GrATE Teach-In.” We will have the Teach-In on 18th April at the GLC. In preparing for the Teach-In, we are seeking participants for a video titled "Global Researcher, Global Learner Reflections". This video will be showcased in one of the sessions at the Teach-In on 18th April. Through this video, we hope to capture stories highlighting experiences of international graduate researchers and teaching assistants who work at Tech, and the faculty and peers that they work with. Specifically, we are looking for volunteers who are willing to share their experiences as international students and faculty, as well as faculty and graduate students who have worked/are working with international graduate students and/or faculty here at Virginia Tech. If you would like to contribute to this video, please fill up our short survey at: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3U89DbmEn756AsJ. Additionally, you can also contact Michelle Soledad (msoled21@vt.edu) and Sreyoshi Bhaduri (sreyoshi@vt.edu) for more information.
22. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR RESEARCH STUDY – 1st posting
Participants are needed for a research study for a student’s capstone class. The research is titled "Perceptions of Sexual Assault and Rape among Middle Eastern Immigrant Men in the Southwest Area of Virginia.” Participants should be Middle Eastern immigrant men, who identify as Muslims. The participants will get $10 Walmart gift card after the interviews. Potential participants can email Taysir Al Janabi at Taysir80@vt.edu or call him at 540-251-1006.
23. GSA GRAD RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM REVIEW HELP NEEDED – 3rd 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.
24. VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT FOR STUDY ON HEALTH, DIET & PHYSICAL ACTIVITY REWARDS – 3rd 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.
25. INVITATION TO PARTICIPATE IN STUDY ABOUT WEARABLE EXOSKELETONS – 3rd 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, (206-859- 9146).
26. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR STUDY OF CELEBRITY ENDORSED FOOD/DRINK PRODUCTS – 3rd posting
A Ph.D. student conducting a study about celebrity endorsement for branded food and beverage products in the US is seeking male and female participants ages 23-36 who are US citizens, racially and ethnically diverse, including Latino/Hispanic, African and Asian American. The student has the majority of the participants she needs, but still needs male Asian Americans and African Americans and female Hispanic-Americans.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.
Upcoming events:
VTGrATE: INFO SESSION: MIGRATING FROM SCHOLAR AND MORE
Monday, Apr 17, 10:30am-12pm, GLC Room G
As part of our theme for the month of April on Technology for use by Graduate Teaching Assistants, the VT Graduate Academy of Teaching Excellence presents an info session for GTAs on using Technology for teaching. Graduate Assistants from the College of Engineering’s Information Technology Team will help provide one-on-one assistance to your questions about technology use. Come by for help migrating from Scholar, using Canvas for large classes, etc.
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.
GRADUATE HONOR SYSTEM PANELIST TRAINING
Monday, Apr 17, 3:30-4:30pm, GLC Room A
Do you think upholding academic integrity at Virginia Tech is important? If so, then you may want to serve as a panelist for the Graduate Honor System. The GHS is looking for both faculty and students to join a volunteer team of panelists who serve on investigative and judicial panels and may hold information sessions/orientations to academic departments about the GHS. To become a panelist, you must attend a one-hour training session, and then may start serving on judicial hearing panels. If you can’t attend this session, another one will be offered on Friday, April 28 at 9:00am. Email to ghs@vt.edu with any questions.
GSA GRAD JOBS WEEK
Monday, Apr 17 to Friday, Apr 21
Are you feeling nervous about life after your degree? Join us for a week of talks, workshops, and career preparation, all focused career-planning after your advanced degree. The second half of the week will feature Maren Wood, PhD, who will focus on alternative careers outside of academia. For a schedule with more specific information about events, times, and locations, visit the Grad Jobs Week Facebook event page at http://tinyurl.com/fb-gradjobsweek. Space at some events is limited. To RSVP, visit http://tinyurl.com/rsvp-gradjobsweek.
WII NIGHT WITH THE FELLOWS
Tuesday, Apr 18, 5-7pm, GLC Student Lounge
Take a break from studying and working on projects to challenge other students in a board game or game on the Nintendo Wii. Snacks will be provided. Sponsored by the GLC Fellows.
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.
PARENT SUPPORT GROUP LUNCHEON – Sign up now!
Wednesday, Apr 19, 12-1pm, Blacksburg Community Center
Enjoy lunch from 12-1pm in the Community Room and learn about the many programs the Blacksburg Aquatic Center has to offer families. After lunch, families can go have a swim for FREE at the Aquatic Center so bring your swimsuits and towels! Please sign-up for this luncheon at the survey link listed below, and indicate the number of people total who will be attending, including children. Contact childcare@vt.edu with questions. http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0e4fabaa28a1ff2-april
UndocuAlly TRAINING WORKSHOP – Sign-up now!
Saturday, Apr 22, 12-4pm, Torgersen 1020
The mission of Tech DREAMers is to create a more inclusive environment for all undocumented students at Virginia Tech through education and advocacy. One of the ways we hope to achieve our mission is through “UndocuAlly” training sessions in which we invite faculty, staff and students at Virginia Tech to increase their knowledge of issues relating to undocumented students in Virginia. Lunch will be provided. If you plan on participating, you must sign up – please only sign-up if you know you can attend: https://docs.google.com/a/vt.edu/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScbmv5HNHljeqnIWoOGT1XpvpZLHGDumJpUn7ilTluUZJmRbA/viewform?usp=sf_link
HIP HOP MEETS THE MUSIC OF INDIA
Sunday, Apr 23, 7:30pm, Burruss Auditorium
Grammy nominated Progressive Hip-Hop artist Christylez Bacon and prominent Indian classical violinist Nistha Raj along with Avi Shah (tabla), Brian Falkowski (flute and sax) and Todd Simon (keys) will be performing at this fusion music concert sponsored by the Association for India’s Development (AID). More information can be found on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/1810729489248434/
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 or call 231-6527.