March 12 – 18, 2018

Events:
1.   WEEKLY WALK-IN SERVICES IN THE GLC – last updated 3/12/2018
2. WRITING STRATEGIES CONSULTATIONS
3. GRAD MINDFULNESS
4. ASK THE ACADEMY: ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY
5. CONVERSATIONAL ENGLISH PRACTICE FOR GRADS
6. INTERVARSITY GRAD CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP SMALL GROUP BIBLE STUDIES
7. GLC CAFÉ – WEDNESDAY EDITION
8. AN INVITATION TO COMMUNITY DIALOGUE: RECONSTRUCT REALITY / IMAGINE ALTERNATIVES
9. BEHIND THE SCENES: ACADEMIC JOB SEARCHES
10. RESEARCHING AT THE FESTIVAL GROUNDS: A RESEARCH À LA MODE PRESENTATION
11. PARENT SUPPORT LUNCHEON
12. GRADUATE STUDENT BIBLE STUDY
13. CAREER TALK ON BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH CONSULTATION FIRMS
14. GLC CAFÉ
15. HOW TO WRITE AN ABSTRACT
16. VINYASA YOGA WITH JOE SCAPARCI
17. GRADUATE AND FACULTY READING GROUP
18. KIDS’ NIGHT OUT

Administrative Announcements:
19. STGLOBAL 18TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE REGISTRATION – 1st posting
20. STUDENT LEADERS SOUGHT FOR SITE VISIT IN 2018 & LEADERSHIP ROLE IN 2019 – 1st posting
21. INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH HONOR SOCIETY (IDR) SEEKING MEMBERS – 1st posting
22. GRDP APPLICATION REVIEW – 2nd posting
23. FACULTY JUDGES NEEDED: GRAD STUDENT ASSEMBLY RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM – 2nd posting
24. STUDENT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: GSA RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM – 2nd posting
25. CITIZEN SCHOLAR ENGAGEMENT – APPLICATIONS OPEN NOW – 2nd posting
26. CALL FOR PARTICIPANTS – WE’RE OUR COMMUNITY GDS PROJECT- 3rd posting
27. SIGN UP FOR A COOKING CLASS: VT RECREATIONAL SPORTS WELLNESS – 3rd – posting
28. COMMUNITY CHANGE CALL FOR PAPERS – 3rd posting

Jobs:
29. GRADUATE ASSISTANT OPENING IN CATAWBA SUSTAINABILITY CTR – 1st posting
30. GRADUATE ASSISTANT – CURRICULUM MAPPING – 1st posting
31. GRADUATE ASSISTANT – PROGRAM & ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT – 1st posting
32. 2018-2019 GLC FELLOW POSITION OPENINGS – 3rd posting

Volunteers and research participants sought:
33. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR VR INTERACTION METHODS STUDY – 1st posting
34. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR RESEARCH ON HUMAN PERCEPTION OF SOUND – 2nd posting

Upcoming events:
— OPEN EDUCATION 2018 SYMPOSIUM AT VIRGINIA TECH
— DEVELOPING A PROFESSIONAL WEBSITE WORKSHOP
— US STUDENT FULBRIGHT INFO SESSIONS
— ACADEMIC NETWORKING FOR INTL STUDENTS
— I MAKE MONEY MOVE$ (NEW!)
— PROFESSIONALIZE YOUR WRITING (ALL DISCIPLINES)
— MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR GRADUATE EDUCATION WEEK 2018
— 34th ANNUAL GRADUATE STUDENT RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM (GSARS)
— “FROM BUCKINGHAM TO BLACKSBURG: GEOLOGY & ENGINEERING CHALLENGES ALONG THE CROOKED ROAD”
— CELEBRATE NOWRUZ (PERSIAN NEW YEAR 1397)
— A MORNING WITH DR. BROWN

Events
1. WEEKLY WALK-IN SERVICES IN THE GLC – last updated 3/5/2018
– Career Advising: Wednesday, 2:00-5:00pm, Info kiosk in lobby. See the Grad Students Career Ops blog for more info on career opportunities: https://blogs.lt.vt.edu/gradcareeropportunity/
– Ask the Academy: AssistiveTechnology: Tuesday and Wednesday, Torg 1180, 4:00-6:00pm
– Cook Counseling: Thursdays and Fridays, 1:00-5:00pm, Green Room
– Graduate School hours: MTThF 8:00-5:00pm, W 9:30-5:00
– 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. WRITING STRATEGIES CONSULTATIONS
Every Monday, 10:30am-12:00pm, GLC Room A
Sign up through the Writing Center website https://www.lib.vt.edu/spaces/writing-center.html to talk about the dissertation or thesis writing process with coach, Prabin Lama (himself graduating this spring with a PhD in Rhetoric & Composition), who can help you with multiple topics– from setting an agenda (writing planning and preparation), to building a support system through writing groups and writing center services, to diagnosing and working towards managing writing difficulties. You are limited to two 1.5-hr (or shorter) appointments with Prabin per semester, (although you can always make a follow-up appointment with him in the Writing Center).

3. GRAD MINDFULNESS
Every Tuesday, 11:00-11:30am, 5071 Derring Hall
Meets every Tuesday (change from last semester.) 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: https://app.stopbreathethink.org/. Email lashley@vt.edu with any questions.

4. ASK THE ACADEMY: ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY
Tuesday Mar 13 and Wednesday Mar 14, TORG 1180, 4:00-6:00pm
This week VTGrATE will hold its GTA walk-in advising hours in the Assistive Technology office in TORG 1180. Drop by to chat with VTGrATE fellows and Assistive Technology employees to learn about and interact with the different types of assistive technologies such as screen readers, speech recognition software, note-taking software and more that are made available to students and employees. Regular VTGrATE walk-in advising will resume in GLC Room A on Mar 6 and 7.

5. INTERVARSITY GRAD CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP SMALL GROUP BIBLE STUDIES
Every Tuesday & Wednesday – various locations
Our small group Bible studies meet in grad students’ homes. 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.

6. CONVERSATIONAL ENGLISH PRACTICE FOR GRADS
Every Wednesday and Friday, 2:30-3:30pm, GLC Room D (or Room A on some dates)
On Wednesdays and Fridays, community volunteers will help you practice conversational English in a group setting. Discussions include American Culture on Wednesdays and the news on Fridays.  Whether just learning English or wanting to practice with Native speakers, all levels of English are welcome. For more information (and to sign up), see Writing Center website:  https://www.lib.vt.edu/spaces/writing-center.html or contact Fred (eichelman@gmail.com).

7. GLC CAFÉ – WEDNESDAY EDITION
Wednesday, Mar 14, 3:30-5:00 pm, GLC Reading Room
Even though it is Spring Break, come 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.

8. AN INVITATION TO COMMUNITY DIALOGUE: RECONSTRUCT REALITY / IMAGINE ALTERNATIVES
Wednesday, March 14th, 3:30 – 5:00 p.m, Haymarket Theater
Part spoken word, part stand-up comedy, part Ted Talk complete with PowerPoint presentation, Carlyle Brown’s performance, Acting Black, is a 60-minute solo show created to inspire open and honest conversations about race and diversity. The performance provides the audience with a context and the critical tools to engage in the most important part of the presentation—the facilitated discussion that follows. A program of Principles of Community Week
Hosted by the Office for Inclusion and Diversity for more information, contact inclusivevt@vt.edu.

9. BEHIND THE SCENES: ACADEMIC JOB SEARCHES
Wednesday, Mar 14, 4:30-6:00, GLC Room F
Join a panel of faculty as they discuss their experiences on academic job search committees and what you need to know. Hosted by the Graduate School’s Professional Development series and the Office of Recruitment, Diversity, and Inclusion. Register here: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5cAKuxmH2iafy97

10. RESEARCHING AT THE FESTIVAL GROUNDS: A RESEARCH À LA MODE PRESENTATION
Examining Bluegrass Festivals through a Theoretical Lens
Wednesday, Mar 14, 5:00-6:00pm, Museum of Geosciences, Derring Hall Rm. 2062
What can we learn at bluegrass festivals? What methods do we use to study these kinds of communities? How did bluegrass music festivals began and who is the intended audience? In her talk, PhD student, Jordan Laney will examine the role of gender within the bluegrass community, as well as the relationship between capitalism and bluegrass, with the intention of broadening these discussions beyond the festival grounds.
Come support graduate students learning to communicate their science. Enjoy free Ice Cream during the talk!

11. PARENT SUPPORT LUNCHEON
Thursday, Mar 15, 12:00-1:00pm, GLC Room F
The next Parent Support Luncheon is coming up soon! PLEASE NOTE THIS LUNCH IS ON A THURSDAY! This month we will be hearing from Dr. Elena Serrano, who will be leading a discussion about picky eaters, first foods, and feeding a family on a graduate school budget. RSVP at: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0e4fabaa28a1ff2-march1; space is limited. Please email childcare@vt.edu with any questions. Remember, partners/spouses are welcome to RSVP and attend, and children are welcome. Hope to see you there!

12. GRADUATE STUDENT BIBLE STUDY
Every Thursday, 12:20-1:30pm, GLC Room D
Grad Student Bible Study (hosted by Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church): Interested in a little break in your week for some time in God’s Word and discussion over lunch? Come join Grace Covenant’s Bible study where we are studying the story of Joseph from Genesis, seeing God’s providence working in this world as well as gospel-change working in our lives. It is a casual study, so come late if you need to, leave early if you need to, and feel free to bring your lunch. If you have questions or want more information, email Taylor Rollo taylor@gracecovenantpca.org.

13. CAREER TALK ON BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH CONSULTATION FIRMS
Thursday, Mar 15, 3:00-4:00pm, Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute, R3012
Learn more about how biomedical research consultation firms function and the types of job opportunities available in such companies. Dr. Amrie Grammer, PhD (COO and CSO of AMPEL BioSolutions) and Dr. Peter Lipsky M.D. (CEO of AMPEL BioSolutions) will be delivering a Career Talk, sponsored by Virginia Tech’s NIH-funded BEST Program. For more info go to:
http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/event/vt-best-event-combining-clinical-and-biomedical-research-expertise-to-bring-solutions-to-research-translational-and-pragmatic-needs/ or contact Brent at brbowden@vtc.vt.edu.

14. GLC CAFÉ
Thursday, Mar 15, 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.

15. HOW TO WRITE AN ABSTRACT
Thursday, Mar 15, 5:00-6:15pm, 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. This workshop is best suited for students who are interested in composing an abstract about a current research project and are ready to explore the purpose, components, and organizational structure of academic abstracts. If you would like detailed feedback on your writing, bring a short draft of your research statement and your abstract to the workshop. Register here.

16. VINYASA YOGA WITH JOE SCAPARCI
Every Thursday, 5:30pm-6:15pm, Graduate Life Center, Health & Wellness Room (Rm G). El Centro, Virginia Tech’s Hispanic & Latino Cultural Center, invites you to join Joe, a 200-hour Yoga Alliance Certified Instructor, to relax with some yoga! No experience or yoga mat needed. Free and open all graduate students. Questions? Contact Veronica at vmontes@vt.edu

17. GRADUATE AND FACULTY READING GROUP
Thursday, Mar 15, 6:00pm-7:00pm, GLC Room F
(Re-occurring event every Thursday through Apr 5)
After research and teaching, after service and committees, do you also have to educate your colleagues about race, gender, and class? Do you find yourself serving as the “diversity expert” for your department? Come share, learn, and build community with the Graduate and Faculty Reading Group to discuss “Third Shift” labor by women of color in the academy using Shifting: The Double Lives of Black Women in America as a reading guide. All are welcome! If you are interested in joining, contact Cherice Hughes-Oliver at cnh4ph@vt.edu for more details.

18. KIDS’ NIGHT OUT (REGISTRATION NOW REQUIRED)
Every Thursday, VT Women’s Center, 206 Washington Street, B’burg
Please note newly revised hours: 6:30-8:30.
Go to “Doodle Poll” at https://doodle.com/poll/eh6wm7xz5mky3yqa
(poll links change weekly) to preregister your child(ren) on a first come basis. KNO is an evening of fun for kids aged 2-12 (kids should be toilet trained) and takes place at the. Park in the back and come up the stairs at the back of the parking lot.

Administrative Announcements
19. STGLOBAL 18TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE REGISTRATION – 1st posting
On behalf of the STGlobal 2018 Organizing Committee and Consortium Members, we invite you to the 18th annual conference to be held on March 23-24, 2018. Held in collaboration with our Mission Partners, the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and the National Academy of Sciences (NAS), STGlobal fosters a welcoming environment for students to present research in science and technology studies (STS), science and technology policy (STP), and other related areas. This year the conference is excited to host three high-profile keynote speakers – Harry Collins, Vint Cerf and Ross Baird. We request that you register (registration is free) here https://www.stglobal.org/ for the conference here at your earliest convenience. We look forward to seeing you there! if you are interested in attending or participating in the conference, but can’t make it this year, please sign-up here

20. STUDENT LEADERS SOUGHT FOR SITE VISIT IN 2018 AND LEADERSHIP ROLE IN 2019 – 1st posting
VT Engage is expanding its service immersion programs and is planning a site visit to Cambodia in Jun 2018 to develop a trip to this location. A student leader is sought to participate in a site visit and serve as a program student leader in Summer 2019.  Student leaders work closely with VT Engage to develop engaging, learning-centered reflections, and play an important role in recruitment and pre-trip preparation of participants. Site visit: Jun 22-29, 2018, Cambodia. Visit expenses covered by VT Engage; cost of passports, visas and immunizations are the responsibility of the student. Tentative 2019 Program: 3 weeks between mid-May – early June 2019; program fee: $2800 (includes meals, lodging, food, service project, transportation); airfare $1500-2000. Student leader will receive financial assistance equivalent to 50% of the program fee; but will pay for airfare and 50% of program fee. Apply by Mar 16 at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4T2N0lHztVjVvFP. Contact Eliza Wethey at elizaw8@vt.edu, 540-231-5853 with questions.

21. INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH HONOR SOCIETY (IDR) SEEKING MEMBERS – 1st posting
“Does your research build bridges between disciplines? Is interdisciplinarity important to you? Have you worked on an interdisciplinary project? Please consider applying to the Interdisciplinary Research Honor Society (IDR), applications are now available and the deadline is April 6th.
Visit our webpage www.idrsociety.org to learn more about us and to apply!”

22. GRDP APPLICATION REVIEW – 2nd 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 spring 2018 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-spring2018-review. This survey closes on Friday, March 16, at 11:59pm.

23. FACULTY JUDGES NEEDED: GSA RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM – 2nd posting
Graduate Student Assembly is asking for faculty members to judge at their Research Symposium on Wednesday, March 28th. Our theme this year is “Agents of Change: Innovate, Integrate, Motivate.” The Symposium provides an unmatched opportunity to practice presenting their research to a broader audience as a flagship to Graduate Education Week. If you are willing to help judge, please sign up at bit.ly/GSARS-Spring2018-judge. Will you be an agent of change?

24. STUDENT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: GSA RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM – 2nd posting
Graduate Student Assembly is asking for student volunteers to help with set-up, registration, presentation set-up and moderation, serving food, clean-up, and more. The symposium will take place on Wednesday, March 28th. As a facilitator of this interdisciplinary event, you’ll get a free t-shirt (as long as supplies last) with this year’s GSARS logo and theme: “Agents of Change: Innovate, Integrate, Motivate.” Lunch, snacks, and coffee will be provided for you, too. AND, aside from those perks, you’ll have the knowledge that you were an agent of change. Visit bit.ly/GSARS-Spring2018-volunteer to sign up.

25. CITIZEN SCHOLAR ENGAGEMENT – APPLICATIONS OPEN NOW – 2nd posting
Have you used your research to benefit society in any way? Are you currently working, or have worked on a project in the past year, that has community impact, either locally or globally? If so, consider applying for the Citizen Scholar Engagement Recognition. If not, consider designing a Citizen Scholar Project so your efforts can be recognized next year! Program requirements are described on the CSE website: http://graduateschool.vt.edu/transformative-graduate-education-experience/citizen-scholar-engagement/program-requirements.html. Applications are due 5:00 p.m. on Monday, March 12, 2018. For more information and to apply, email Helen Kamandhari at helen74@vt.edu.

26. CALL FOR PARTICIPANTS – WE’RE OUR COMMUNITY GDS PROJECT- 3rd posting
Participants are needed for a Diversity Scholar Project focusing on making graduate students more susceptible/better able to work on modern, diversifying teams.  The purpose of this program is to give participants a foundation for integrating into teams and being effective team members in academic or industry environments.  The We’re Our Community program provides the opportunity to learn about different people’s backgrounds and how it affects team-based work.  Any information gained will be used for internal purposes only and will remain confidential.  Consent will be requested in the event the information may be used beyond the GDS project. Questions? Contact Matthew Ferby at matthsf@vt.edu.

27. SIGN UP FOR A COOKING CLASS: VT RECREATIONAL SPORTS WELLNESS – 3rd posting
Grad student Aubrey Stephenson invites you to 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! We have more classes left this semester. Sign up quickly, spots are limited. Please contact Shelly Rasnick, Wellness Coordinator at rasnicks@vt.edu or 540-231-0620 with any questions.

28. COMMUNITY CHANGE CALL FOR PAPERS – 3rd posting
Community Change’s second issue seeks to build upon the first issue and continue unpacking the notion of ‘community change’—its complexities, transformations, and challenges in recent decades of intensified economic, environmental, and political instabilities. It will critically interrogate responses to these processes and locate where change is (or is not) happening, why, and in what ways. It will also explore who is claiming authority to create community change and for what purposes. We call for scholarly articles (4,000-6,000 words), book reviews (1,000-1,500 words), multimedia, and artwork that examine the complexities of community change, probing whether this and related concepts are mobilized to achieve genuine, emancipatory transformation or to reinforce existing structures and relations of power or perhaps both. The deadline for submissions is March 12, 2018. Please email submissions to communitychange@vt.edu.

Jobs:
29. GRADUATE ASSISTANT OPENING IN CATAWBA SUSTAINABILITY CTR – 1st posting
Graduate Assistant sought for Catawba Sustainability Center (CSC) for 2018-19 academic year. Travel to CSC  required several days a week during most weeks from Aug–Dec and Jan–May. Position is 20 hrs/wk, and can work from campus when not required at the Center. Responsibilities range from office to farm work. Duties include but are not limited to: administrative duties; proposal identification and research, proposal writing, literature and field research; educational program design and support; communications, and social media management; farm maintenance; research & demonstration plot maintenance; demonstration project design, installation, and maintenance; assisting Extension Specialist with programs; and supporting the design and facilitation of field days and workshops. To apply, send letter of interest with resume or CV to Adam Taylor, adamht@vt.edu, by April 27, 2018. For more info on this position go to: GA Catawba Sustainability Center

30. GRADUATE ASSISTANT – CURRICULUM MAPPING – 1st posting
Supports the Global Education Office of Virginia Tech by contributing significantly to our curriculum mapping initiative. This includes conducting research on current bilateral exchange partnerships and third party providers to developing a database of course syllabi for incoming/outgoing exchange students. The Graduate Assistant plays a vital role in achieving the mission of the office in expanding study abroad capacity and opportunities. The position is an excellent opportunity for students interested in a career in international education. Visit Graduate Assistant – Curriculum Mapping for full job description and qualifications. Application Deadline: April 1st.

31. GRADUATE ASSISTANT – PROGRAM & ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT – 1st posting
Supports the Global Education Office of Virginia Tech by contributing significantly to our program and enrollment management. This includes assisting in the coordination of the office’s enrollment management system and supporting faculty/staff and student users of the software. The Graduate Assistant will be responsible for creating and updating program page content for the web, conducting research on faculty-led and exchange programs as necessary in addition to communicating with key stakeholders. Plays a vital role in achieving the mission of the office by publicizing program opportunities as well as supporting enrollment and data collection efforts to expand study abroad access and capacity. Excellent opportunity for students interested in a career in international education. Visit Graduate Assistant – Program & Enrollment  Management  for full job description and qualifications. Application Deadline: Apr 15th.

32. 2018-2019 GLC FELLOW POSITION OPENINGS – 3rd posting
Residence Life and the Graduate School are seeking motivated graduate students who are committed to building graduate community, for GLC Fellow positions for the 2018-19 academic year. An ideal candidate would have previous residence life and/or event planning experience, though it is not a requirement. Applicants must submit a formal cover letter, resume and letter of recommendation, and fully complete the following survey: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bgxat6KH9aiIBwh Information about cover letter requirements is detailed in the survey and the full job description is at https://graduatelifecenter.vt.edu/residence-life-in-the-glc/Fellows.html Apply by midnight on Monday, Mar 12, 2018. Contact Lauren Surface at lkeister@vt.edu or Scott Steehler at steehler@vt.edu if you have questions.

Volunteers and research participants sought:
33. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR VR INTERACTION METHODS STUDY – 1st posting
This research is studying various interaction methods for virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies.  Our team is investigating the best ways to indicate and mark targets of interest using VR as a simulation for AR. Participants will be asked to use these techniques to then answer questions and comment on their usability.  The experiment will be performed in the Sandbox (Room 160 of the Moss Arts Center. Experiment will take approx. 45-60 minutes per participant.  Participants must be at least 18 years old and have normal vision (glasses and contacts are fine).  Interested parties can sign up at http://people.cs.vt.edu/~llisle/experiment_slots.html.  Please contact Lee Lisle at llisle@vt.edu for more information.

34. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR RESEARCH ON HUMAN PERCEPTION OF SOUND – 2nd posting
This research makes use of a hand gesture recognition system using gloves to manipulate and interpret spatial sound for human-computer interaction. The study seeks to collect data that will help understand how humans perceive sound in an exocentric environment. Participants will be asked to perform a sequence of hand gestures to be demonstrated by the researcher, while different sound samples will be played through homogeneous speakers in the Cube. The complete study will last between 30-40 minutes and will be held in the Cube, a facility within the Moss Arts Center. Here’s the link to sign up: User-Study Appointment Calendar. Questions? Contact Disha Sardana at dishas9@vt.edu or Woohun Joo at joowh@vt.edu.

Upcoming events:
OPEN EDUCATION 2018 SYMPOSIUM AT VIRGINIA TECH
Monday & Tuesday, Mar 19-20, Newman Library
The Open Education 2018 Symposium at Virginia Tech will be of interest to faculty, graduate students, and educators interested in fostering deep approaches to student learning via student-centered learning, creation and use of open educational resources, and through the use of open pedagogical (#openpedagogy) approaches. All events will be held at the University Libraries, Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA (some events will be livestreamed).  All events are free and open to the public.  For more information:  https://bit.ly/2018OpenEdVT. Please register at: http://bit.ly/vt2018opened.

DEVELOPING A PROFESSIONAL WEBSITE WORKSHOP
Monday, Mar 19, 1:00-2:15pm, Library Athenaeum
Are you going on the market in industry or academia? Creating a professional web presence sets you apart from other job candidates, as do the contemporary technical writing skills you’ll learn while building your website from the ground up. The Rhetoric Club invites you to learn how to use basic HTML templates in order to launch your own website. Use it to share a résumé, design a CV, or show off projects. No prior experience with web design is required for the workshop, but a laptop is recommended. Contact Allison Hutchison with questions at abhutch@vt.edu.

US STUDENT FULBRIGHT INFO SESSIONS
Tuesday, March 20, GLC Room B: 11:00 – noon; 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. The competition will open on April 2 for grants for the 2019 – 2020 academic year. For more information or to make an individual advising appointment, contact Betty Anderson (betty.anderson@vt.edu).

ACADEMIC NETWORKING FOR INTL STUDENTS
Tuesday, Mar 20, 5:00-6:30pm, GLC Room F
Professor John Iorio will discuss ways international students can build strong relationships with advisers, other faculty and staff and the cultural aspects of committee management.  Register here.

I MAKE MONEY MOVE$ (NEW!)
Tuesday, Mar 20, 5:30pm-6:30pm, New Classroom Building, Room 250
Join the Graduate School Office For Recruitment, Diversity and Inclusion (ORDI) & the  Women’s Center at Virginia Tech in honor of Women’s Month in a workshop for women on negotiating salary, benefits, and starting strong at new jobs. Refreshments will be provided. All are welcome to attend! Questions? Contact Luisa at luisab93@vt.edu.

PROFESSIONALIZE YOUR WRITING (ALL DISCIPLINES)
Thursday, Mar 22, 5:00-6:15pm, GLC Room C
This session will teach participants topnotch writing skills, while helping promote groundbreaking research and innovative ideas. Students will be guided through specific practices that can immediately apply to current and future projects. Whether aiming for publication or preparing a thesis/dissertation, this workshop will provide strategies and resources to help participants elevate their writing and meet goals. Take away information to improve a manuscript’s language, sentence-level structure, and clarity.  Register here.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR GRADUATE EDUCATION WEEK 2018
Monday – Friday, Mar 26-30
This year’s theme, Always Curious, gets you behind the scenes of unique labs, studios and other campus and community destinations you might not be able to visit alone. Sign up for one of the many tours at https://graduateschool.vt.edu/student-life/graduate-education-week/Tours.html, attend the GSA research symposium, watch a free movie at the lyric, enjoy coffee, tea and snacks from around the world, play games and attend socials, and finish the week with the big cook out on the Grad School lawn.  See https://graduateschool.vt.edu/student-life/graduate-education-week.html for a full schedule of events and online registrations.

34th ANNUAL GRADUATE STUDENT RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM (GSARS)
Wednesday, Mar 28, 8am-8pm, Graduate Life Center
Join us for this year’s Research Symposium, a day of interdisciplinary conversation for graduate students at Virginia Tech. As always, the Symposium is run by graduate students, for graduate students, and entry is free! This year’s theme is AGENTS OF CHANGE: Innovate. Integrate. Motivate. This year’s keynote speaker is Olympia LePoint, rocket scientist and author. Visit bit.ly/GSARS-Spring2018 for more detailed information about our keynote speaker, and about the day’s schedule of events. We hope to see you there!

“FROM BUCKINGHAM TO BLACKSBURG: GEOLOGY & ENGINEERING CHALLENGES ALONG THE CROOKED ROAD”
Thursday, Mar 29, Reception: 6:00-7:00pm at the Museum, Lecture: 7:00-8:00 at Derring 4069.
Bill Henika, Regional Geologist, has been mapping geology in the Appalachian Ranges of Western Virginia. Geology here is complex and can cause surprising surface effects. Recent landslides have brought public attention to the influence of underlying structures.   Please join us for light snacks in the Museum from 6:00-7:00pm prior to the lecture. Admission is free.

CELEBRATE NOWRUZ (PERSIAN NEW YEAR 1397)
Saturday, Mar 31, 7-11:30pm, German Club, 711 Southgate Dr, Blacksburg
This event will be held to celebrate the Iranian New Year which also coincides with the Spring vernal equinox. The event includes traditional Persian music, Sstand-up comedy, dance performances, dinner and dancing. Everyone is welcome to attend to this public event.For more information, please visit the event page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/2080178992228823/.

A MORNING WITH DR. BROWN
Monday, Apr 2 10:00am, Shanks Hall, Room 370
Meet Tuskegee Airman Dr. Harold Brown and listen to his remarkable story about his life and journey as he became one of the first African-American men to fly during World War II. His dedication, drive and perseverance while overcoming great barriers will inspire you. RSVP is not required, but appreciated. Refreshments will be provided. For additional questions or to RSVP contact grad student Crystal Kyle at Cryak79@vt.edu.