Events
1. WEEKLY WALK-IN SERVICES IN THE GLC – last updated 8/28/2017
– Career Advising: returning 9/27
– Cook Counseling: Thursdays and Fridays, 1:00-5:00pm, Green Room
– Graduate School hours: MTThF 8:00-5:00pm, W 9:30-5
– Immigration advising hours: MWF 1:00-4:00pm, TTh 9:00am-12:00pm Room 120
– Writing assistance: reserve appointment at https://www.lib.vt.edu/spaces/writing-center.html
2. OLYMPIC TAEKWONDO CLUB AT VIRGINIA TECH — OPEN WORKOUT
Monday, Sep 11, 8:00-9:00pm, 915 Hethwood Blvd., Blacksburg
Want to do something different this semester? Now’s your chance! The Olympic Taekwondo Club is holding an open workout for anyone who is interested in trying taekwondo. No experience is necessary and everyone is welcome. For more information, contact Casey Denham at cldenham@vt.edu.
3. CURRENT ISSUES AND DIVERSITY IN HIGHER EDUCATION
Tuesday, Sep 12, 1:30-3:00pm, Assembly Hall, Holtzman Alumni Center
The Office for Inclusion and Diversity is pleased to host Marybeth Gasman, Ph.D., Judith & Howard Berkowitz Professor of Education and Director of the Penn Center for Minority-Serving Institutions at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Gasman will speak on Current Issues and Diversity in Higher Education. Because space is limited to 160 participants, Inclusive VT Representatives are offered priority registration. Please use this link to reserve a seat. https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3aqijbZ70JzYPaJ. Here is a link to all Inclusive VT Week events: http://inclusive.vt.edu/InclusiveVTWeekFall2017.html
4. RESEARCH A LA MODE: SEARCHING FOR AN ALTERNATIVE TO ANIMAL TESTING
Tuesday, Sep 12, 5:00-6:00 pm, Museum, 2062 Derring Hall
Currently, large portions of life science research ‘need’ living animals, usually a mouse, rat, or rabbit. This research can be anything from how mascara will react with the eye, to how a cancer drug affects a tumor, to how the immune system functions during infection. Regardless of the question, animals are being manipulated for human benefit. Ellen Garcia, a PhD student in the Biology Dept. is working to contribute an alternative method for testing chemical safety and convince the community that there are better ways to study toxicology. Come to her presentation on the rationale and evidence for ‘her new, cell-division focused, animal alternative testing approach. Come for the talk and stay for free ice cream!
5. PARENT SUPPORT LUNCHEON
Wednesday, Sep 13, 12:00-1:30pm, GLC Room F
Join other graduate student parents, spouses, and partners at this free lunch sponsored by the Graduate School. Preschoolers are welcome to join the group. A topic relevant to parenting while in school will be discussed. Space is limited and spots fill up quickly, so be sure to signup soon at this link: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0e4fabaa28a1ff2-september2
6. GLC CAFÉ
Thursday, Sep 14, 3:30-5:00 pm, GLC Reading Room
Enjoy free coffee, tea, and cookies in the company of fellow grad students and Grad School staff; network, socialize, relax! Bring your own mug if you can.
7. SCHOLARLY COMMUNICATION AT VT LIBRARIES
Thursday, Sep 14, 5:00-6:00 pm, Newman Library Room 207A
Learn about electronic thesis/dissertations, open educational resources, library publishing services, VTech Works and participate in an optional tour of Newman Library. Pizza and drinks will be provided. Sign-up here: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cN4UCKF5foJjyip
8. KIDS’ NIGHT OUT – FREE WEEKLY DROP IN CHILD CARE – Starting Thursday, Sep 14
Thursday, Sep 14, 6:00-8:30pm, Women’s Center, 206 Washington St., Bburg.
Need a break? Have to study or attend a lecture? Want to catch up on work? If you are a VT student with children, bring your kids aged 2-12 (must be toilet trained) on Thursdays from 6:00-8:30pm, at the Women’s Center. No need to pre-register. We have games, toys, books, crafts, homework help, and plenty of FUN! Childcare provided by the volunteers of Chi Delta Alpha sorority. KNO will be held every Thursday throughout the semester with the exception of breaks when classes are not in session. The Women’s Center is located at 206 Washington Street, enter up the stairs in the parking lot. For more information, contact Jessie Meltsner at jmelts@vt.edu or 231-7806.
9. "VIRGINIA TECH AFTER #CHARLOTTESVILLE" – A #STILLCONCERNEDVT FACULTY INITIATIVE
Thursday, Sep 14, 6:00-8:00pm, Owens Banquet Hall
FEATURED SPEAKERS: Students are strongly encouraged to attend this teach-in on recent events.1) The social construction of diversity and community engagement" – Dr. Sarah Ovink, Sociology; 2) "White nationalist appropriation of medieval symbols" – Dr. Matthew Gabriele, Religion & Culture; 3) "The First Amendment, free speech, and the ‘Unite the Right’ organizers" – Dr. Wornie Reed, Sociology. Moderator: Dr. Carmen Gitre, History. Contact: Christian Matheis (matheisc@vt.edu). Sponsored by The Office of Inclusion and Diversity, The Graduate School.
10. WHAT HAVE I GOTTEN MYSELF INTO?
Friday, Sep 15, 12:00-1:30pm, GLC Room C
If you’re a new graduate student who has asked yourself this question, the Graduate School wants you to know that you are not alone! Meet fellow graduate students, new and returning, to talk about this exciting—and often overwhelming—life adventure. There will be pizza! If you plan on attending, be sure to sign-up at the following link: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_aWUQeoKnVQSbz37
Administrative Announcements
11. C’MON, GET HAPPY! – 1st posting
Join a Happiness group! These groups meet once a week for ten weeks to learn and practice happiness strategies. This is a great experience whether you are struggling to find happiness or already consider yourself a relatively happy person. Date and time of group will be dependent on interested participant availability. If interested, please complete this form. Group meetings will start the week of Sep 18. Please contact Shelly Rasnick, Wellness Coordinator at rasnicks@vt.edu or 540-231-0620 with any questions.
12. WHAT’S COOKIN’? – 1st posting
Sign up for a cooking class through VT Recreational Sports Wellness and learn easy and healthy recipes to try at home! Everyone gets to help cook at these classes and then we will try all the recipes we make. More information about the dates, time and prices can be found here! Sign up quickly, spots are limited. Please contact Shelly Rasnick, Wellness Coordinator at rasnicks@vt.edu or 540-231-0620 with any questions.
13. INTERVARSITY GRAD CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP SMALL GROUP BIBLE STUDIES – 2nd posting
Starting Tuesday, Sep 5 at various locations, our small group Bible studies meet Tuesday-Thursday evenings in grad students’ homes and the GLC. Get connected with a group of friends on a journey of faith through grad school! See a list of current groups: http://gcfvt.wordpress.com/small-groups/ or contact Robert Howe (robahowe@gmail.com) for more information.
14. RAFFLE TO COLLECT FUNDS FOR L.I.F.E. HOUSTON – 2nd posting
The Black Graduate Student Organization (BGSO) is holding a raffle to collect funds for L.I.F.E. Houston to support women and children affected by Hurricane Harvey. Everyone who buys a raffle ticket will be entered for a chance to win 1 of 2 Amazon Echo Dots. Contact Taylor Bradley, tnb25@vt.edu, for information on how to purchase tickets.
15. DISABILITY AND ACCESSIBILITY IN THE CLASSROOM (NLI OFFERING) – 2nd posting
Martina Svyantek and Dr. Ashley Shew will be leading a faculty inquiry group through Networked Learning Initiatives (NLI) this fall titled "Disability and Accessibility in the Classroom.” These sessions are geared towards faculty, though graduate students (especially GTAs) are also allowed to sign-up and participate. The in-person meetings (4 sessions, 10 am-1pm) will occur on the following Wednesdays this fall: September 6 and 20, Oct 4 and 18. Each session will cover different material. To enroll in this NLI Faculty Inquiry group, please go to NLI calendar and sign-up. You can direct questions about the sessions to Martina Svyantek at svyantek@vt.edu or disability@vt.edu.
16. NEW! MULTILINGUAL SERVICES AND SPEAKING SUPPORT SERVICES – 2nd posting
Did you know that the Writing Center offers support in conversational English, as well as other languages? To access all of our services, see our website https://www.lib.vt.edu/spaces/writing-center.html. Select "Make an appointment" and register for an account. It’s free! Also, Language volunteers wanted! See our website above and look under "Additional Services" for details about participation.
17. VT OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT SEEKS BOARD MEMBERS – 2nd posting
The VT Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is seeking members for their Student Advisory Board. The board offers opportunities to provide feedback on emergency preparedness campaigns to OEM, design and implement emergency preparedness campaigns, and participate in OEM outreach for campus events. Meetings are every other Tuesday 6:00-8:00 pm starting Sep 12 in the Public Safety Building behind Lane Stadium. The remaining meeting dates for the fall semester are Sep 26, Oct 10, Oct 24, Nov 7, and Nov 28. Spring meeting dates will be distributed later in the year. Direct any questions to the chair of the board, Jordan Schoeneberger, at sjordan6@vt.edu. To join, go to: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_7NFKgHV1A9C9ICV.
18. ACADEMY FOR GTA EXCELLENCE (VTGrATE) CALL FOR MEMBERSHIP – 3rd posting
The Academy for Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) Excellence welcomes applications for Member, Associate, and Fellow in its learning community. VTGrATE provides advanced education and training in innovative teaching and learning strategies and provides a space to recognize excellence in teaching by graduate students. Membership is open to all graduate students at all VT campuses. For more info or to apply: http://vtgrate.org/membership/application-and-review/. Applications due Sat., Sep 16, 2017. Questions? Contact Michelle Soledad soledadmm@vt.edu.
Jobs
19. WAGE POSITION OPENING IN THE GLC/GRADUATE SCHOOL – 1st posting
Responsible for managing the digital sign, including content development and scheduling, screen and software maintenance, website maintenance, and communication and coordination with Grad School and GLC Service Desk staff. Must be FT grad student, have experience with any of the following software applications: web content management software, Macromedia Flash, Photoshop, MS PP, MS Paint, Samsung MagicNet Pro, flash converters. Preference will be given for: at least one semester of previous VT enrollment; web maintenance experience; knowledge of services, programs and events offered in the GLC. Must possess excellent communication skills and be able to work independently. Submit cover letter and resume to grads@vt.edu by Sep 15.
20. PROGRAM CHAIRS FOR GRADUATE STUDENT ASSEMBLY – 2nd posting
The GSA is currently accepting applications for this year’s program chairs. Responsibilities include implementing the GSA’s programs, attending board and delegate meetings, and volunteering at GSA-sponsored events. Seeking applicants with excellent time management and multi-tasking skills; good communication and writing skills; and creative problem-solving skills. This year, we are hiring a chair to manage our Travel Fund Program, our Graduate Research and Development Program, and our annual Research Symposium (2 chairs). Chairs will work under the supervision of the Executive Board. For more information on each position, visit bit.ly/GSAProgramChairs1718. To apply, email your CV, the position for which you are applying, and a brief (1 page or less) letter of interest in Word format to Joshua Slaughenhoupt at jslaugh@vt.edu. Applications are due on Friday, September 15th, at 5:00pm.
21. PART-TIME GA POSITION IN SOCIAL SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH – 2nd posting
The research team for “Cultivating an Ethical STEM Culture through an Integrated Undergraduate General Education” seeks a PT graduate assistant with competencies in social scientific research to participate in project. Students from any program or department will be considered, but the ideal student will be at least two years into their studies and have knowledge of survey methodology, ethics, and pedagogy, as well as an undergraduate background in a STEM discipline. Will work with all project members during periods of the project. Will work most closely with Dr. Sara Jordan (Center for Public Administration & Policy), Dr. Diana Biaraktarova, (Dept. of Engineering Education), and/or Dr. Stephen Biscotte (Office of the Provost). Key tasks include: Identifying sampling frames for student and faculty surveys; development of survey instrument language and identification of survey platforms (e.g., Web or App based); monitoring survey data acquisition; development of participant observation strategies; note taking during participant observations of courses; and conducting literature reviews. 10 hrs/wk for Fall 2017, with possible continuation and migration to full time in subsequent semesters. Particular periods of the project will require more intensive work and hours than others. If interested, send a CV and a cover letter describing how previous work has met key tasks, how background meets requirements, and how current or planned research would be helped along by working with this research team to: srjordan@vt.edu.
22. GRA OPENING FOR A GIS PROGRAMMER/ANALYST – 3rd posting
The Enterprise GIS units of Virginia Tech’s central IT organization has an opening for a full-time GRA (20 hr/wk) position, beginning Fall 2017 and continuing for a full year (through August 2018). Position requires a highly-motivated graduate student with GIS programming, GIS analysis and/or web design skills to support a variety of projects in a technical team environment, using an evolving set of best-practice tools, libraries and techniques. Tasks include developing scripts to automate GIS data management and server administration tasks; performing mapping and analysis tasks; and developing and maintaining GIS-enabled web applications. Experience with Python programming, Tools and APIs related to the ESRI ArcGIS platform required. If interested, forward a current resume and cover letter to egisjobs@bev.vt.edu.
Volunteers and research participants sought
23. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR VIRTUAL REALITY STUDY – 1st posting
The 3DI group is seeking volunteers to participate in a research study with virtual reality (VR) technologies. Our team is investigating how VR can help researchers to better understand complex scientific data. The project is supervised by Dr. Doug Bowman in Computer Science and will make use of state-of-the-art VR equipment. Participants will have 1 in 6 chances to receive a $40 giftcard. If you are interested in participating, please contact Wallace Lages at wlages@vt.edu for more details.
24. 12- TO 15-MONTH-OLD INFANTS NEEDED FOR A NEW STUDY – 1st posting
Beginning September 2017, the iLEAP Lab is recruiting 12- to 15-month-old infants for a new study! We are interested in the effects of seeing either a geometric shape or a human female face on infants’ abilities to show preferences for certain kinds of speaking styles. We will also ask mothers to fill out surveys on infants’ language skills, temperament, and social attention. We offer $20 per family, free child care for older siblings, and convenient parking. Please email iLEAP@vt.edu or call 540-231-3972 if interested.
25. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED: MIDDLE CHILDHOOD EMOTION REGULATION STUDY –2nd posting
The C.A.P. Lab in the Psychology Department at Virginia Tech is conducting a new study focusing on children’s ability to learn how to regulate their emotions and its impact on memory. During this visit, your child will watch some short video clips, play some word and computer games. In addition to these games, we are interested in collecting information about the physiological components of these abilities. Your child will wear a stretchy EEG cap to collect brain wave activity and ECG electrodes to collect heart rate activity. The visit should last about 1.5 hours. Participants must be 9-10 years old, born after a full-term pregnancy, weighed at least 6 pounds at birth, and currently healthy. We offer a $20 Target gift card as compensation for parents and a toy for children, and we can provide childcare for siblings. If you are interested in this study, contact Tatiana Garcia-Meza by research lab phone 540-231-2320 or email tgarcia@vt.edu.
26. VOLUNTEERS FOR OSTEOPATHIC ASSESSMENT AND MANIPULATION STUDY – 2nd posting
The Kevin P. Granata Lab is seeking volunteers for a study examining osteopathic assessment and manipulation. Participation in the study would include an osteopathic assessment and a biomechanical assessment; osteopathic manipulation and a second biomechanical assessment may also be included in participation. Volunteers must be between 18 and 35 years of age and have no past or current lower extremity injuries that required medical care. If you meet these requirements and are interested in participating, please contact Cherice Hughes-Oliver at granata-lab-g@vt.edu or (540) 231-4294.
27. PARTICIPANTS FOR MINDFULNESS-BASED STRESS REDUCTION STUDY – 2nd posting
Are you chronically stressed? The Virginia Tech Department of Psychology is conducting a study investigating the effectiveness of a weekly mindfulness meditation group for people who experience chronic stress. Must be Ages 18-55 and able to attend 8 weekly group meetings (Wed 9:00-11:00am). Learn coping mechanisms and mindfulness meditation. No experience required. More information at www.scanlab.org/mbsr.pdf. If interested in participating, please e-mail hokiemindfulness@gmail.com.
Upcoming events:
POLITICAL ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITY
Monday, Sep 18, 7:00-8:00pm, Squires 217
The Greens at Virginia Tech is a brand new student organization fighting to bring the Green Party values of Social Justice, Grassroots Democracy, Peace, and Ecological Wisdom to VT and Blacksburg. We are committed citizens, activists, and regular people who are tired of corruption, bigotry, and exploitation and are looking for a better way. If you agree, come by our weekly meetings every Monday from 7:00-8:00pm in Squires 217. Find out how you can make a difference in your community, right now. For more info, please contact our chair at wryan2@vt.edu, join us on Gobblerconnect (https://gobblerconnect.vt.edu/organization/vtgreens), friend us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/290569994657392), or follow us on Twitter (@GreensatVT).
GRAD MINDFULNESS
Wednesday, Sep 20, 11:00-11:30am, 5071 Derring Hall
Feeling stressed out? Anxious or overwhelmed? You’re in good company! A great tool for dealing with how you’re feeling is Mindfulness, a state of active, open attention on the present. observing your thoughts and feelings from a distance, without judging them good or bad. Instead of letting your life pass you by, mindfulness means living in the moment and awakening to experience. Meets every Wednesday starting Sep 20. At each meeting there will be a short guided mindfulness exercise followed by time to practice on your own. You don’t need to stay for the whole time. Feel free to just drop in, just take care to not disturb others. Here is a link to a cool free mindfulness app! Email lashley@vt.edu with any questions.
INTERNATIONAL CAFÉ HOUR: GERMANY
Friday, Sep 22, 4:00-5:30pm, Deet’s Place, Dietrick Dining Center
The International Café Hour is an opportunity for all to engage in conversations, create friendships, share their culture, and to connect with the VT community in a casual and comfortable environment. The program is designed to be both social and educational so join us. This program is a wonderful opportunity for students to connect and learn across cultures! This month’s café hour is sponsored by The German Culture Club. For more info, see our webpage: International Café Hour.
JOIN IN THE CELEBRATION OF DURGA PUJA
Sunday, Sep 24, 12:00-9:00pm, Commonwealth Ballroom, Squires Student Center
The Bengali Students’ Association, Indian Students’ Association, and Society of Indian Americans, cordially invite you to a day of fun, festivities, food, dance and music on the occasion of Durga Puja, a major Indian festival. The festival celebrates the victory of good over evil, light over darkness and love over hate. The worship ceremony will be followed by ‘prasad’ (distribution of traditional bengali platter), a cultural program, a sumptuous Indian dinner (tickets available at – www.bengali.org.vt.edu) catered by Taaza Roanoke and a Gaarba dance night where the young and old come together on the beats of vibrant Indian music. For more info email suchi@vt.edu.
GRADUATE AND PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL FAIR
Monday, Sep 25, 11:30am-1:30pm, Floor 2 of Squires Student Center
This annual Graduate and Professional School Fair (GPSF), hosted by the Graduate Student Assembly (GSA), is for undergraduate and Master’s students looking to continue their schooling in the graduate and/or professional realm. Come to Floor 2 of the Squires Student Center for an opportunity to have face-to-face meetings with recruiters from over 120 different graduate and professional programs from all over the US — and from outside of the US as well. The fair will run from 11:30am-1:30pm, and is FREE for all students. For a complete list of visiting schools and programs, visit http://bit.ly/GPSF2017-institutions. To view the event page on Facebook, visit http://bit.ly/GPSF2017. If you are a graduates student TA or teacher, we ask that you please spread the word to your students!