Events
1. WEEKLY WALK-IN SERVICES IN THE GLC – last updated 9/18/2017
– Career Advising: returning 9/27
– GTA Walk-In Advising: Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 4:00-6:00pm, GLC Room A
– 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. 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)
3. GTA WALK-IN ADVISING
Tuesday, Sep 19 and Wednesday, Sep 20, 4:00-6:00pm, GLC Room A
Do you have questions about teaching or grading? Are you experiencing a challenge in the classroom that you don’t know how to resolve? Drop by to chat, share experiences, and get advice from Fellows of the Graduate Academy for Teaching Excellence. Light refreshments will be provided, bring you own mug if you can.
4. 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.
5. GLC CAFÉ
Thursday, Sep 21, 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.
6. GSA GENERAL ASSEMBLY MEETING
Thurs, Sept 21, 5:30-7:00pm, Graduate Life Center (GLC) Multipurpose Room
Come to our first Graduate Student Assembly (GSA) General Assembly Meeting of the 2017-18 Academic Year! At these meetings, you’ll hear about policies affecting graduate students within (and outside of) the university, you’ll obtain a better understanding of how university governance works, AND you’ll meet graduate students outside of your home department(s). Remember, you do not have to be a departmental delegate to attend a General Assembly Meeting, and we encourage all graduate students to attend! In order to cast a vote, however, you must be a delegate.
7. KIDS’ NIGHT OUT – FREE WEEKLY DROP IN CHILD CARE
Thursday, Sep 21, 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.
8A. STRESS MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP
Friday, Sep 22, 2:00-3:00pm in GLC Room C.
Presented by the Cook Counseling Center specifically for graduate students, this program helps identify stressors in your life and equip you with some techniques and resources to control and reduce stress. If interested in attending, sign up at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_81fn8QpIl7B4pM1.
8. 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.
9. 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.
Administrative Announcements
10. ON-CAMPUS FOOD PANTRY
209 Manna Ministries is VT’s on-campus food pantry that provides food, toiletries, and school supplies to students. A donation-based pantry, there are opportunities to hold a food drive, shop in the pantry, or volunteer. Located at 209 W Roanoke St on the 3rd floor, the hours are 4:00-6:30pm on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Find more information on Facebook or at www.209mannaministries.org. Questions? Contact 209MannaVT@gmail.com.
11. C’MON, GET HAPPY! – 2nd 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’? – 2nd 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 – 3rd 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 – 3rd 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) – 3rd 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 – 3rd 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 – 3rd 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.
Jobs
18. WATER POLO COACH
The VT women’s club water polo team is in search of a coach for this academic year! This team of approximately 20 undergrads with varying water polo experience practices three times a week: Sundays 5-7pm and Monday/Wednesdays 8-10pm in War Memorial Pool. Practice is currently run by our four captains but someone out of the water with experience is needed to give guidance to improve. Please contact president, Brittany Henry (britth4@vt.edu), if you are interested or want more information.
19. Oops – position closed
20. PROGRAM CHAIRS FOR GRADUATE STUDENT ASSEMBLY – 3rd 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 22nd, at 5:00pm.
21. PART-TIME GA POSITION IN SOCIAL SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH – 3rd 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.
Volunteers and research participants sought
23. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR VIRTUAL REALITY STUDY – 2nd 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 – 2nd 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 –3rd 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 – 3rd 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 – 3rd 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:
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 graduate student TA or teacher, we ask that you please spread the word to your students! Please note that we are also looking for some graduate student volunteers for this event. As always, volunteering for a GSA event gets you free admission to one Beer & Wine Social. Sign up at bit.ly/GPSF2017-volunteers.
SASAKI MASTER PLAN VIEWING PARTY
Mon, Sept 25, 6:00-8:00pm, Surge 104A
The Graduate Student Assembly and the Graduate Representative to the Board of Visitors invite you to a viewing party for the Sasaki & Associates Master Plan. Come to Surge 104A for important updates this plan for the future of Virginia Tech’s campus environment. Pizza will be provided between 6pm and 6:30pm, and then the viewing will commence. We urge graduate students to attend, and to stay in the know about Master Plan updates — your voices are important to the future of our campus.
COMMUNICATING YOUR RESEARCH: TALKING WITH THE PUBLIC
Wednesday, Sep 27 (Humanities), 10:00am – 12:00pm, Torgersen Hall 3080
Talking about our work and research? to people outside our discipline? is ?hard. In many instances, we have just a few minutes to talk about several years of work and the relevance and impact it has in our world. In these sessions, participants will be able to articulate a one-minute elevator speech about their work and how it can be customized to different audiences and channels. There will be one session focused on the Humanities (Sep 27) and another session focused on Science, Technology, Math, and Engineering (Oct 9). Both sessions will take place at Torg 3080 from 10:00am to 12:00pm. For registration, go to https://app.nli.tlos.vt.edu/.
SASAKI MASTER PLAN TOWN HALL
Wed, Sept 27, 6:30-8:00pm, New Classroom Building 206
For those that cannot make the viewing party — or for those who are interested in continued discussion surrounding the future of Virginia Tech’s campus environment — there will be a Town Hall Meeting at 6:30pm in the New Classroom Building. As with the Viewing Party, we urge graduate students to attend and make their voices heard. For more information on this meeting, and on the Master Plan in general, visit the VT News page at bit.ly/2x0DC15.
GLC HIKE TO TINKER CLIFFS
Sunday, Oct 1, 9:00am
Join the Graduate Fellows and other graduate students as they hike Tinker Cliffs, the third leg in the Triple Crown of great views of the Catawba Valley! Be advised, this hike is not easy going. You will encounter steep climbs and numerous switchbacks, so all hikers are encouraged to wear athletic shoes and bring lots of water. The hike is 7.7 miles round-trip and you should anticipate a hiking time of 4 hours. Space is limited, so complete this survey to register if you are planning to attend: https://survey.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9yqWuI03BGryM73. If you have any questions, e-mail Erik Fendik at ef@vt.edu.
NAVIGATING IMPOSTER SYNDROME DISCUSSION
Wednesday, Oct 4, 2017, 6:00 p.m., GLC Room B
Do you ever doubt your abilities? Do you feel an intense pressure to succeed and prove yourself? Do you ever feel like a fraud? Join the Multicultural Academic Opportunities Program (MAOP) for a discussion on how to navigate imposter syndrome in graduate school! This discussion will be led by Dr. Julie Dunsmore (Psychology) and Dr. Gabriel Serna (Higher Education).
HISPANIC/LATINX CONNECT LUNCH
Thursday, Oct 5th, 12:00pm-1:00pm, Graduate Life Center, Room F
Join the Graduate School Office of Recruitment and Diversity Initiatives for lunch in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. Come meet faculty, staff and students from all over while enjoying some delicious free food! RSVP Link coming soon. All are welcome to attend! Questions? Contact Luisa at luisab93@vt.edu.
GSA FALL BEER & WINE SOCIAL
Fri, Oct 6, 5:00-9:00pm, Lane Stadium South End Zone Club
Save the date! The Graduate Student Assembly is gearing up for an exciting Autumnal Beer & Wine Social in a brand new space: Lane Stadium. Stay tuned for ticket sales and pricing info, a Facebook event page, and more information on food, drink, and music.