Events
1. WEEKLY WALK-IN SERVICES IN THE GLC – last updated 9/25/2017
– Career Advising: Wednesday, 2:00-5:00pm, Info kiosk in lobby
– Ask the Academy: GTA Walk-In Advising: TW, GLC Room A, 4:00-6:00pm
– 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. ASK THE ACADEMY: GTA WALK-IN ADVISING
Tuesday & Wednesday, Oct 31 & Nov.1, GLC Room A, 4:00-6:00pm
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 your own mug if you can.
3. BGSO GENERAL BODY MEETING
Tuesday, October 31, 2017 Black Cultural Center, 7:00 – 9:00pm
All treats, and no tricks! Dinner and socializing will occur from 7:00 – 7:30pm, with the meeting to commence at 7:30pm. The Black Graduate Student Organization is YOUR organization, and in order for it to thrive we need your, time, talents, feedback, and ideas. Come out and be a part of something special!
4. GSA TRAVEL FUND PROGRAM (TFP)
Wednesday, Nov 1 at 12:00am – Wednesday, Nov 8 at 11:59pm
The Graduate Student Assembly’s Travel Fund Program will open for applications on November 1st at 12:00am, and will close on November 8th at 11:59PM. This program can provide partial support for professional or conference travel occurring between July 1st and December 31st, 2017. We will release the application guide in the coming weeks, so keep checking bit.ly/TFP-fall2017 for updates and information. If you have questions, send them to gsaTravelFund@gmail.com.
5. GRAD MINDFULNESS
Wednesday, Nov 1, 11:00-11:30am, 5071 Derring Hall
Meets every Wednesday. 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.
6. GLC CAFÉ: CIDER EDITION
Thursday, Nov 2, 3:30-5:00pm, GLC Reading Room
Enjoy free coffee, tea, and snacks. Fresh, hot cider will be served as well! Join your fellow graduate students and GLC staff. Socialize and relax! Bring your own mug if you can.
7. EXPLORE, CREATE, CONNECT: INAUGURAL DIGITAL LITERACY SYMPOSIUM
Thursday, Nov 2, 9:30am-9:00pm, Newman Library Multipurpose Room
Graduate students are invited to explore digital literacy during this day-long symposium. Learn more about the program at https://lib.vt.edu/research-learning/digital-literacy.html. Registration required through NLI: http://bit.ly/2gadh7X . Contact Julia Feerrar (feerrar@vt.edu) with any questions.
8. KIDS’ NIGHT OUT – FREE WEEKLY DROP IN CHILD CARE (REGISTRATION NOW REQUIRED)
Thursday, Nov 2, 6:00-8:30pm, Women’s Center, 206 Washington St., Bburg
On a trial basis Kids’ Night Out (KNO) is going to try a system of preregistering. Each week there will be a link on the home page (www.womenscenter.vt.edu) where parents can sign kids up. The aim is to have the link posted to the website by Monday afternoon each week. There will a “Doodle Poll” with a limited number of spots and when that is full, additional children for that week will no longer be accepted. Because of this, the following is requested: 1) Please only register if you are sure you are going to be able to make it; 2) so that everyone can have a chance to utilize KNO, if you have been coming regularly, perhaps wait until later in the week to see if there are still spots available. For more information, contact Jessie Meltsner at jmelts@vt.edu or 231-7806.
9. THE 2ND ANNUAL NUTSHELL GAMES
Saturday, Nov 4, 4:15pm, Moss Arts Center, Anne and Ellen Fife Theater
All graduate students are invited to attend the Nutshell Games, a contest in which graduate students have a mere 90 seconds to explain their research, held in conjunction with Virginia Tech Science Festival. The Center for Communicating Science will award $500 prizes to the three graduate researchers who explain their work most clearly as determined by a panel of esteemed judges. Open to the public free of charge.
10. AN EVENING WITH CHRISTOPHER EMDIN: STEM EDUCATION & EMPOWERMENT FOR THE REST OF Y’ALL
Saturday, Nov 4, 7:00pm, Moss Arts Center, Anne and Ellen Fife Theatre
Professor, author, social critic, and science advocate Christopher Emdin discusses how to create and propagate a more effective and inclusive approach to STEM education that will increase student engagement and ignite their creativity during this free talk presented in conjunction with the Virginia Tech Science Festival.
Administrative Announcements
11. SUBMISSIONS INVITED TO GLC PHOTO AND ART CONTEST – DEADLINE EXTENDED
The Graduate School invites submissions of art work and photography by graduate students for display in the GLC during Fall Open House (Oct 28) and beyond. Submissions are limited to three pieces (art and/or photography) per graduate student. To learn more and for the link to submission go to https://graduatelifecenter.vt.edu/glc-art-and-photo-contest.html (link has been updated). Submission deadline: Sunday, Nov 5, 2017.
12. SEEKING SCHOLARLY ARTICLES FOR GRAD STUDENT-RUN JOURNAL AT VT – 1st posting
Community Change, an online, peer-reviewed, graduate student-run journal at Virginia Tech that explores multiple approaches to democratic community development and change, is accepting submissions for its second issue. We solicit scholarly articles (4,000-6,000 words), book reviews (1,000-1,500 words), multimedia, and artwork that analyze responses to the evolving political and social landscape since the 2016 election. This might include, but is not limited to: 1) explorations of new initiatives, on-going activism, and community organizing and how they have changed their work since 2015 campaign and 2016 election; 2) historical movements and groundwork that have informed current responses; and 3) pieces reflecting on tactics and strategies employed to resist, counter, and educate about xenophobia, white supremacy, and other ideologies or political doctrines. The submission deadline is December 18, 2017. For more information and submission instructions, please visit www.communitychange.ipg.vt.edu.
13. GRDP APPLICATION REVIEW – 1st posting
The Graduate Student Assembly (GSA) is looking for graduate student volunteers to review applications for the Graduate Research Development Program (GRDP). To review applications, you must be a graduate student, and you must be one that did not apply to the fall 2017 GRDP application cycle. Although we cannot compensate you with money, we do compensate with free food and eternal gratitude. To sign up, visit bit.ly/GRDP-fall2017-appreview.
14. VMCVM’S FIRST INTERNATIONAL ONE HEALTH DAY COMPETITION – 2nd posting
Are you a fan of free food? Free Visa gift cards? Interested in One Health and want something to spice up your resume? The first International One Health Day Competiton will be help on Saturday, Nov 4 from 10:00am-3:00pm at Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. Organized by SAVMA Chapter, the Public Health Association, and the BMVS GSA, teams of four students will develop solutions to several different outbreak scenarios. Judges will determine which team has the best solution for each outbreak scenario, and prizes (including Visa gift cards) will be awarded to the top two teams. Each team must have one DVM student, MPH student, and PhD or MS student. Sign up individually and be added to a team. Partial team (2-3 people) or a full team (4 people) also accepted. Please fill out the survey to sign-up if interested in competing: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5aTq8Xs1LvcEB8N, and email scavma@vt.edu with any questions. Team Sign-up Deadline Extended: October 30th at 5:00pm.
15. LITTLE HOKIE(TM) HAND-ME-DOWN – 2nd posting
How to Donate: Donations will be accepted November 1-13 at the GLC Welcome Center (front desk) or at the VT Women’s Center (206 Washington St.) What to Donate: Gently used clothes, books, toys, bedding, medical supplies, school supplies, formula (unexpired), bathing & grooming supplies (unopened), strollers, car seats, baby gear, diapers, etc. Shopping Days: Students come by the GLC Multi-Purpose room Nov 14 from 12:00-6:00pm and Staff come by the same location on Nov 15 from 8:00am-12:00pm. Bags are provided. For more information, click here or contact Jessie Meltsner at jmelts@vt.edu
16. VT ENGAGE: 3-WEEK PERU SERVICE IMMERSION TRIP – 2nd posting
Immerse yourself in a powerful learning and service experience that will take you from the Amazon rainforest focusing on environmental conservation and protection projects, to the high Andes to work on community development projects. Participants spend time together on reflecting on experiences and social issues encountered on the trip, and grapple with difficult questions while sharing perspectives on service, justice, and social change. Serve with and learn about two nonprofits, visit Incan sites, connect with new people and more. Estimated cost. $2,800 + airfare. A limited amount of need-based financial assistance is available. All applicants will be considered. Contact Eliza Wethey at elizaw8@vt.edu or 540-231-5853 with questions. Learn more, and apply by Dec 1, 2017 here.
17. COOKING CLASSES STILL AVAILABLE – SIGN UP SOON! – 2nd posting
There are two more Cooking Classes to sign up for and spots are still open! Classes are either $5 or $10 per person depending on the time and day. There is always plenty of food and everyone has the chance to cook and learn new recipes. The next classes are: “Multicultural Night” on Tuesday October 24 from 6:00-7:30pm OR Friday October 27th from 12:00-1:30pm. "I Can’t Believe It’s Vegan!" night is Nov 7 from 6:00-7:30pm OR Nov 10 from 12:00-1:30pm. For more information click here or email Shelly Rasnick at rasnicks@vt.edu.
18. CALL FOR PAPERS: DOING INTERDISCIPLINARITY – 2nd posting
The Alliance for Social, Political, Ethical, and Cultural Thought (ASPECT) invites papers that engage a variety of contemporary issues about interdisciplinarity for its upcoming conference to be held March 22-24, 2018. Possible paper topics may include but are not limited to: the body and politics; critical approaches to technology and aesthetics; ecological and environmental issues; gender and sexuality; geopolitics and international relations; identity politics; marginalized knowledges; moral and political philosophy; new materialities; writing and history; postcolonialism; post-Marxism and ideology; race and politics; religion and secularity; minority studies; critical security studies; critical pedagogy; and violence and representation.
If interested, please go to one of the following websites, www.facebook.com/aspectvt or https://aspectconference.wordpress.com/, or email aspect@vt.edu.
19. INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH HONOR SOCIETY SEEKS NEW MEMBERS – 3rd posting
The Interdisciplinary Research Honor Society is recruiting new members! This is a wonderful opportunity to meet other students doing interdisciplinary research and support interdisciplinarity on campus. If your research is interdisciplinary please check out our requirements and application procedures at http://www.idrsociety.org/membership/membership/ or email Jessie at mjessie1@vt.edu with any questions. Deadline Nov 15.
Jobs:
20. WEB-BASED VISUALIZATION AND REAL-TIME DATABASE PROGRAMMER –2nd posting
The DSV lab is currently looking for an experienced VT graduate/undergraduate student to help build modules or APIs for the Web-based visualization and a real-time database. General requirements for applicants include: experience with Python or C++; experience with Web based languages: HTML, PHP, Javascript, etc.; knowledge of designing and structuring API for visualization; web development experiences; This is a 10 hr/wk wage position and starts Nov 2017. Depending on performance, the job may be extended for the next semester. If interested, send your resume to Mr. Xiaoyu Chen at xiaoyuch@vt.edu. Visit the DSV website for more info: https://sites.google.com/a/vt.edu/ran-jin/about
Volunteers and research participants sought
21. 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 exploring user interfaces that can help users to mark distant objects in a simulated scene (for VR). The project is supervised by Dr. Doug Bowman in Computer Science and will make use of state-of-the-art VR equipment. If you are interested in participating, please contact Yuan Li at yli92@vt.edu for more details.
22. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR DANCE OF NATIONS –2nd posting
CISO (Council of International Student Organizations) is looking for volunteers to help with set-up and backstage help for Dance of Nations to be held on Nov 10. Volunteers will be assigned their duty on November 9th and there also will be free dinner on that day (9th). If interested sign-up at https://goo.gl/forms/YJbGxBRRarGsW0K43). Contact archanaa@vt.edu with any questions.
23. PARTICIPANTS AGES 7 – 17 YEARS NEEDED FOR PSYCHOLOGY STUDY –2nd posting
The Virginia Tech Clinical Psychology graduate program is looking for faculty or staff with children between the ages 7 – 17 years old to participate in a volunteer child assessment. The program offers $30 to volunteers. The assessment consists of three sessions, each lasting approximately 2 to 3 hours during which a graduate student will administer cognitive, achievement, and behavioral assessments tests to your child. These assessments will be conducted at the Child Study Center (460 Turner St.) and supervised by Dr. Susan White (director of the Child Assessment Clinic) and an upper level graduate student. As this is not a formal psychological assessment or a research project, testing results from this training exercise are not considered valid and parents do not receive an assessment report at the end of their participation.
If you are interested, please email swaindm@vt.edu and provide contact information (email and phone number) and availability during October. A graduate student will contact participants to schedule the sessions.
24. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: TREATMENT OF FEAR OF DOGS IN 4-7 YR OLD CHILDREN – 3rd posting
A new study at the Virginia Tech Child Study is looking for interested participants in a treatment research study for 4-7 year old children with fears of dogs that are interfering in their lives. Parents will be provided with a book which has been designed to assist young children in becoming more comfortable around dogs. Parents will meet with a clinician who will teach them how to read the book with their child and do activities at home to improve their child’s fear. If the child’s fear level remains high, parents will be offered the opportunity to come in to the clinic for additional treatment. Treatment is offered at no cost and families will be compensated for completing pre-treatment and follow-up assessment sessions. If you are interested in participating in this study, please call the Child Study Center at 540-231-8276 or e-mail childstudycenter@gmail.com for further information.
Upcoming events:
MENTORING: WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW?
Tuesday, November 7, 4:00-5:00pm, GLC Room B
Are you a student looking for a mentor? Or do you already have one, but you have trouble communicating what you need? Or are you a faculty member who wants to learn about being more approachable to advising and mentoring students? Our panel of faculty and staff members will discuss their experiences with mentoring, and tips for making the mentorship process better. Sign-up here.
WRITING AN ABSTRACT
Tuesday, November 7, 7:00-8:00pm, GLC Room C
Academic abstracts are not only a vital part of getting involved in conferences and journals, but also offer you an opportunity to describe and explain your work to broader audiences. At this writing workshop, we will explore the purpose, components, and organizational structure of academic abstracts. This workshop is best suited for students who are interested in composing an abstract about a current research project. If you would like detailed feedback on your writing, please bring a short draft of your research statement and your abstract to the workshop. Register here.
US STUDENT FULBRIGHT INFO SESSIONS
Wednesday, November 8, GLC Room B: 1:00 – 2:00; 2:30 – 3:30; 4:00 – 5:00
These interactive workshops introduce participants to the Fulbright program that offers US citizens funding opportunities to research, study, or teach abroad in more than 140 countries. For more information or to make an individual advising appointment, contact Betty Anderson (betty.anderson@vt.edu)
THRIVING AS AN INTERNATIONAL GRADUATE STUDENT
Friday, Nov 10, 2:00-3:00pm, GLC Room C
This seminar will provide opportunity to discuss strategies for adjusting to a new culture/educational system, managing academic and other demands and for developing productive relationship with your advisor. If interested, please sign up here.
INTERNATIONAL CAFÉ HOUR: SUDAN
Friday, Nov 10, 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 Aljaliya Al-Sudaniya (the Sudanease Student Organization). For more info, see our webpage: International Café Hour.
DANCE OF NATIONS
Friday, Nov 10, 8:00pm, GLC Auditorium
As part of its annual event series, the Council of International Student Organizations (CISO) is organizing ‘Dance of the Nations’, an international dance night, where talented artist groups and individuals showcase dance performances from various countries across the world ranging from belly dancing to flamenco. The night will entail an hour long fusion of dance, culture and musical magic, blended with the talented artistry of international students at Virginia Tech. Grad student Jeena Sajimon, CISO Public Relations Officer, invites all graduate students to this event. The event is free and open to all. See https://www.facebook.com/VTCISO/ for regular updates about the performance or go to the event link https://www.facebook.com/events/244637702732138.
GUAC TALK WITH THE DEAN
Monday, Nov 13, 12:00-1:00pm, GLC Room B
How’s your semester going? Do you have questions or comments about graduate life? If you answered yes — or if you answered no, but still want to attend a discussion about graduate life — join this month’s Guac Talk with Dean DePauw. There will be guacamole (of course), great conversation, and hopefully you! This event is brought to you by the Graduate Student Assembly.
MINGLE LIKE YOU MEAN IT
Tuesday, November 14, 5:30-7:00pm, GLC Room F
How are you at networking when it comes to large receptions, conferences or other professional events? Feel like you need to get better? Improve your mingling skills at this interactive session where you’ll practice introductions, opening lines and more with fellow graduate students. Sign-up here.