August 20 – 26, 2018

Weekly Events:
1. WEEKLY DROP-IN SERVICES
2. WEEKLY RECURRING EVENTS
3. COMMUNITY CHANGE COLLABORATIVE (CCC) HOLDS FIRST MEETING
4. SAFETY AND HEALTH COMPLIANCE OBLIGATIONS WORKSHOP
5. LUNCH WITH THE DEAN – FULL
6. 2018 UNDERREPRESENTED/MINORITIZED STUDENT LUNCHEON
7. GLC CAFÉ: WEDNESDAY EDITION
8. GLC CAFÉ
9. BUILDING A WINNING RESUME/CV
10. FINDING RESOURCES AND ACCESSING MATERIALS AT VT LIBRARIES
11. LAIGSA LATIN PARTY
12. LUTHERAN TRADITIONAL DIVINE SERVICE

Administrative Announcements:
13. FALL 2018 ORIENTATION POWERPOINT SLIDES
14. TAKE YOUR RESEARCH TO THE NEXT LEVEL WITH GRAD 5124 – 1st posting
15. ACADEMY FOR GTA EXCELLENCE SEEKS MEMBERS – 1st posting
16. LAST DAY TO ADD CLASSES IS FRIDAY, AUG 24
17. P.E.O. SCHOLAR AWARD NOMINATIONS SOUGHT – 2nd posting
18. LITTLE HOKIE HANGOUT STILL ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS – 2nd posting
19. GRAD 5024 DATA MANAGEMENT SKILLS COURSE OFFERED FOR FALL ’18 – 3rd posting
20. GRADUATE STUDENTS INVITED TO SUBMIT WRITING – 3rd posting

Jobs:
21. GRADUATE STUDENT ASSEMBLY (GSA) PROGRAM CHAIRS FOR 2018-2019 – 3rd posting

Volunteers and research participants sought:
22. GSA 2018-2019 DEPARTMENT DELEGATES – 1st posting
23. GRADUATE HONOR SYSTEM RECRUITING GRADUATE STUDENT PANELISTS – 1st posting
24. CHILDREN & MOTHERS WHO BOTH EXPERIENCE ANXIETY WANTED FOR STUDY–1st posting
25. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR AR DRIVING SIMULATOR STUDY – 1st posting
26. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR EXOSKELETON STUDY – 2nd posting

Upcoming events:
–TRIP TO FARMERS MARKET
–RESEARCH A LA MODE: JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF AN ACITVE VOLCANO
—SERVICES FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES RESOURCE TABLE
–CAREER FAIR TIPS AND TRICKS
–DATA SERVICES, SCHOLARLY COMMUNICATIONS, & PUBLISHING AT VT LIBRARIES
–BLACK GRAD STUDENT ORGANIZATION (BGSO) MEET & GREET HAPPY HOUR
–BGSO RETREAT
–BGSO BRUNCH


Weekly Events
1. WEEKLY DROP-IN SERVICES:
– Career Advising: Will return on Sept 19. See the Grad Students Career Ops blog for more info on career opportunities: https://blogs.lt.vt.edu/gradcareeropportunity/
– Cook Counseling: This week Thursday, Aug 23 only, 1:00-5:00pm, GLC Green Room
– Graduate School hours: MTThF 8:00am-5:00pm, W 9:30am-5:00pm
– Immigration advising hours: MWF 1:00-4:00pm, TTh 9:00am-12:00pm Room 120
– Ask the Academy: GTA Drop-in Advising – will return Tuesday, Aug 28
– Summer graduate writing assistance: see Writing Center website at  https://www.lib.vt.edu/spaces/writing-center.html

2. WEEKLY RECURRING EVENTS:
– Writing strategies consultations: Mondays 10:30-12:00pm, GLC Room A (https://lib.vt.edu/spaces/writing-center.html )

3. COMMUNITY CHANGE COLLABORATIVE (CCC) HOLDS FIRST MEETING
Tuesday, Aug 21, 11:00am-12:30pm, GLC Room C
The Institute for Policy and Governance (IPG) is restructuring its existing Community Voices, Trustees Without Borders, Community Change Journal and community-based research programs into one overarching initiative, which will now be called the Community Change Collaborative (CCC). The CCC will host a bi-monthly forum featuring the work and methods of a range of faculty and practitioners focused on community change. Current and prospect members (graduate students, faculty and community practitioners interested in creating change in communities) are invited to attend CCC’s first forum meeting.

4. SAFETY AND HEALTH COMPLIANCE OBLIGATIONS WORKSHOP
Tuesday, Aug 21, 5:00-6:00pm, GLC Room F
This training session will provide an overview of the safety and health-related requirements established by university policy. In your role, you may be responsible for complying with or enforcing these requirements. The session will cover training requirements, hazard assessments, chemical use and disposal, medical services, use of biological agents, animals, and human-related research activities. Training will be led by Environmental Health and Safety staff. Sign up here: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3DaohfeOF6nrcPj

5. LUNCH WITH THE DEAN – FULL
Wednesday, Aug 22, 12:00-1:00pm, GLC Room C
Meet Graduate School Dean Dr. Karen DePauw and graduate students at a free lunch.  Learn about the latest in graduate education and share your perspectives in a casual setting.  Sign-up here:
https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0OCE3J4mB2revch.

6. 2018 UNDERREPRESENTED/MINORITIZED STUDENT LUNCHEON
Thursday, Aug 23, 2018, 12:00-2:00pm, Graduate Life Center Multipurpose Room.
The Graduate School’s Office of Recruitment, Diversity, and Inclusion offers a luncheon to all underrepresented and/or minoritized students. These groups include racial/ethnic minorities, sexual/gender minorities, and others who identify as a minority in graduate education. Student group leaders, faculty/staff mentors, and community allies are invited to be present at the luncheon to offer guidance and encouragement to new students. All faculty, staff, and students can register at: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5yyi4smf8uwaSTr. For assistance, contact Dr. Justin Grimes at jgrimes18@vt.edu.

7. GLC CAFÉ: WEDNESDAY EDITION
Wednesday, Aug 22, 3:30-5:00pm, GLC Reading Room
On the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month, 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. GLC CAFÉ
Thursday, Aug 23, 3:30-5:00pm, GLC Reading Room
Every Thursday, 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.

9. BUILDING A WINNING RESUME/CV
Thursday, Aug 23, 4:15-5:15pm, GLC Room F
Having a well-polished resume is the most critical step toward getting an interview. Start early to be ready for fall career fairs and on-campus interviews. Hosted by Career and Professional Development.

10. FINDING RESOURCES AND ACCESSING MATERIALS AT VT LIBRARIES
Thursday, Aug 23, 5:00-6:30pm, Newman Library Multipurpose Room (please note room change)
Learn about the ways that the University Libraries at Virginia Tech support graduate students throughout their time at the university, from their first semester all the way to finishing a thesis or dissertation. Each session will feature a presentation from library staff, a Q&A, and an optional tour of Newman Library. Pizza and drinks provided. Sign up at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2t9XWU8BIU9bM0Z.

11. LAIGSA LATIN PARTY
Friday, Aug 24, 9:00pm, Sycamore Deli, Blacksburg
Make new friends or just have a good start of the semester with your current friends. Join the party at the Welcome Fiesta, which will have the hottest salsa, bachata, merengue, and reggaeton. No dancing experience required. Hosted by the LATIN AMERICAN and IBERIAN Graduate Student Association.

12. LUTHERAN TRADITIONAL DIVINE SERVICE
Sunday, Aug 26, 3:30pm, War Memorial Chapel
Nathaniel Hall President, Lutheran Outreach at Virginia Tech invites you to this weekly service. For more information, contact Nathaniel at nhall28@vt.edu.

Administrative Announcements:
13. FALL 2018 ORIENTATION POWERPOINT SLIDES – 1st posting
If you missed orientation on August 17, you can view all of the slides on the Graduate School website at https://graduateschool.vt.edu/content/dam/graduateschool_vt_edu/2018_Fall_Orientation.pdf. If you have questions about any of the content, email grads@vt.edu.

14. TAKE YOUR RESEARCH TO THE NEXT LEVEL WITH GRAD 5124 – 1st posting
GRAD 5124 (Research Skills for Graduate Students) is a one-credit, fully-online course offered by the university libraries. Students will develop skills that will prepare them for research in graduate school and beyond. Five discipline-specific sections are offered, so students should be sure to sign up in HokieSPA for the one that relates to their subject area. Direct questions to Lisa Becksford at lisab5@vt.edu.

15. ACADEMY FOR GTA EXCELLENCE SEEKS MEMBERS – 1st posting
The Academy for Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) Excellence (VTGrATE) 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 campuses. Information about the application process may be found in our website: http://vtgrate.org/membership/application-and-review/. Applications are due on Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018. For questions about VTGrATE or the membership and application process, please contact Katie Ayers (ayersk14@vt.edu) or leave a message on our Ask a Fellow page at http://vtgrate.org/ask-a-fellow/.

16. LAST DAY TO ADD CLASSES IS FRIDAY, AUG 24
Don’t forget to register for classes no later than Friday, Aug 24. If you have an assistantship, you must enroll in 12-18 credits for the semester.

17. P.E.O. SCHOLAR AWARD NOMINATIONS SOUGHT – 2nd posting
The P.E.O. (Philanthropic Education Organization), an International Sisterhood that prioritizes the education of women, is offering the Scholar Award of $15,000 to eligible women who are currently working on their PhD.  Nominations open online Aug 20, with a firm completion date of Nov 20. Nominees should be on track to complete doctoral level degree between Apr 2020 and Aug 2021. If the potential candidate is working on a joint program, such as a PhD/DVM, she must be scheduled to complete the entire program (both degrees) between Apr 2020 and Aug 2021. For more information go to http://vapeo.org/joomla/index.php, click on P.E.O. International Project, then Scholar Award under Projects. To become a sponsored applicant for this award, contact Rebecca Fariss at mbfariss1@cox.net or (540) 314-6749.

18. LITTLE HOKIE HANGOUT STILL ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS – 2nd posting
Little Hokie Hangout, the Graduate School Child Care Center, still has a few openings left for full and part time care this fall. Email childcare@vt.edu for more information or to stop by for a tour. Complete the application online at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf1gaoozdHdd-UncA5EP72i5sDuHB4Ynw9zuwF4KSOLJ3dnWA/viewform?usp=sf_link

19. GRAD 5024 DATA MANAGEMENT SKILLS COURSE OFFERED FOR FALL ’18 – 3rd posting
Learn about the importance and benefits of data management including creating a data management plan. This 8-week course covers data organization, policies, documentation, storage, ethics, access, security, analytical tools, grant requirements (proposal and post- award), proper attribution, archiving, other issues and topics related to data in scholarly communication. Pass/ Fail Only, 1 Credit Hour, In-Person (Synchronous).  Course begins 8/23 and ends on 10/11; meets 10am-noon in Newman Library 207A.  Possibility of remote access; non-Blacksburg students should email alop@vt.edu before enrolling.

20. GRADUATE STUDENTS INVITED TO SUBMIT WRITING – 3rd posting
The student blog RE: Reflections and Explorations, offered through the VT Institute for Policy and Governance, is a great vehicle to share research ideas and theories with a broader audience. All VT graduate students are eligible to offer essays as long as they address a policy, politics or governance issue or concern. Students in ALCE, ASPECT, GIA, HD, PGG, Natural Resources, PAPP, Political Science, Rhetoric and Writing, Sociology and Urban Affairs and Planning are particularly encouraged to submit essays. To find examples of past topics, read archived essays. Dr. Max Stephenson, Professor of Public and International Affairs, serves as editor and final arbiter of all submissions. Sign up now using this Google Spreadsheet. Slots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Send questions to mneda14@vt.edu or parrish1@vt.edu .

Jobs:
21. GRADUATE STUDENT ASSEMBLY (GSA) PROGRAM CHAIRS FOR 2018-2019 – 3rd posting
The GSA is currently accepting applications for 2018-19 program chairs! Each paid position will have responsibilities related to implementing GSA’s programs, attending meetings, and volunteering at GSA-sponsored events. Applicants must be excellent time-managers, multi-taskers, and creative problem-solvers with excellent oral/written communication skills. All chairs work under the supervision of the Executive Board, and directly with Director of Programs. Hiring chairs to manage Travel Fund Program, Graduate Research Development Program, and annual Research Symposium and Exposition. For more info on each position, visit http://bit.ly/2018GSAchairs. To apply, complete Google Form on the webpage by Friday, Aug 24, 5:00pm. Questions? Contact Chelsea Corkins at ccorkins@vt.edu. Applications are.

Volunteers and research participants sought:
22. GSA 2018-2019 DEPARTMENT DELEGATES – 1st posting
The Graduate Student Assembly is looking for two delegates from each department/program on campus. If you are interested in being a delegate for your department/program, please contact your graduate coordinator and ask them to email vwarda@vt.edu with the subject line “Department Delegates 2018-2019” by Thursday, September 6th at 5:00pm. Information about GSA and delegate responsibilities can be found on the GSA website (http://blogs.lt.vt.edu/graduatestudentassembly/).

23. GRADUATE HONOR SYSTEM RECRUITING GRADUATE STUDENT PANELISTS – 1st posting
The Graduate Honor System is recruiting graduate students to serve as panelists who review evidence and determine the outcome of GHS cases. To be eligible, you need to be a graduate student at Virginia Tech in good academic standing. The overall time commitment is 3-4 hours a semester based on the number of cases and panelist availability. If you are interested in serving as a student panelist, please contact the GHS Chair Anurag Mantha (ghs@vt.edu) to set up a brief meeting to discuss the role. Once the meeting is complete, you will be added to the GHS email list and are free to volunteer to serve on any panel based on your availability.

24. CHILDREN & MOTHERS WHO BOTH EXPERIENCE ANXIETY WANTED FOR STUDY–1st posting
Seeking children between the ages of 4-7 and their mothers to participate in a study to test the effectiveness of Theraplay, a form of play therapy in treating child anxiety, mother anxiety, and improving mother-child bonding. Study is run at the Virginia Tech Family Therapy Center under the direction of the FTC Clinical Director, Dr. Jenene Case Pease, and two Human Development and Family Science doctoral students specializing in Marriage and Family Therapy, Lauren Smithee and Katarina Krizova. Participation includes 12 weekly therapy sessions at no cost to you and assessments before, during, and after treatment to measure progress. Mothers also receive up to $100 in gift cards. All sessions will be confidential. Direct questions to FTC_research@vt.edu or call Lauren Smithee (540) 208-5004 or Dr. Jenene Case Pease 540-231-5924.”

25. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR AR DRIVING SIMULATOR STUDY – 1st posting
The COGENT Lab at Virginia Tech (https://cogent.ise.vt.edu/) needs volunteers for a research study comparing augmented reality vehicle displays and how they impact drivers. Must be 18+, an active driver with valid US driver’s license, drive a minimum of 3,000 miles per year, not an employee of any vehicle manufacturers and have normal or corrected-to-normal vision (corrected using contact lenses). This study should last about 1 hour. Compensation: $10. If interested, contact Nayara Faria at nfaria@vt.edu.

26. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR EXOSKELETON STUDY – 2nd posting
Participants are needed for research study about task performance with and without a wearable exoskeleton. Must be 18-45 years old with no recent or prior musculoskeletal disorders and should exercise at least once per week. Due to the device fit, participants should have a waist circumference equal to 26″-46″ and a torso length equal to 14.5″-23″. There are two experimental sessions for this study, which will last about 3 hours each. Compensation: $10/hour. If interested, contact Sunwook Kim at sunwook@vt.edu.

Upcoming events:
TRIP TO FARMERS MARKET
Wednesday, Aug 29, 4:00pm, GLC Lobby
Meet in the GLC Lobby and walk to the Blacksburg Farmer’s Market with other graduate students.

RESEARCH A LA MODE: JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF AN ACTIVE VOLCANO
Wednesday, Aug 29 5:00-6:00pm, Museum of Geosciences, Derring Hall Rm. 2062
The International Ocean Discovery Program caters to the understanding of Earth’s geology, life history and climate change by using the research vessel, the JOIDES Resolution (JR) to drill into the oceanic floor to collect and study rock samples. PhD Candidate, Kannikha Kolandaivelu, will talk about her experiences sailing as a scientist onboard the JR during Expedition 376 where they drilled into the infamous Brothers Volcano. Come support graduate students learning to communicate their science. Enjoy free Ice Cream during the talk.

SERVICES FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES RESOURCE TABLE
Thursday, Aug 30, 12:00-2:00pm, GLC Lobby
Stop by the Services for Students with Disabilities office resource table to learn about how to access accommodations for temporary or permanent disabilities.  You will also get to learn a few words in American Sign Language to help you remember when to come to the office or when to refer others to us.

CAREER FAIR TIPS AND TRICKS
Thursday, Aug 30, 4:15pm, GLC Room F
Learn how to present yourself to an employer and what to ask at a job fair.

DATA SERVICES, SCHOLARLY COMMUNICATIONS, & PUBLISHING AT VT LIBRARIES
Thursday, Aug 30, 5:00-6:30pm, Newman Library 207A
Learn about the ways that the University Libraries at Virginia Tech support graduate students throughout their time at the university, from their first semester all the way to finishing a thesis or dissertation. Each session will feature a presentation from library staff, a Q&A, and an optional tour of Newman Library. Pizza and drinks will be provided. Sign up for one or both sessions below. All sessions will be held in Newman Library 207A. Sign up at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2t9XWU8BIU9bM0Z.

BLACK GRAD STUDENT ORGANIZATION (BGSO) MEET & GREET HAPPY HOUR
Thursday, Aug 30, 5:00-8:00pm, Frank’s Cinebowl and Grill, 1st and Main, Blacksburg
Join the BGSO for the first of several events held for BGSO Weekend. Appetizers provided, drink specials available. All grad students, faculty and staff invited. Contact vtbgso@gmail.com for more info.

BGSO RETREAT
Saturday, Sep 1, 9:30am-3:30pm, Litton Reaves Room 1810
BGSO wants grad student input. Wear a shirt to represent your undergrad institution. Breakfast and lunch provided. Grad students only. Contact vtbgso@gmail.com for more info.

BGSO BRUNCH
Sunday, Sep 2, 12:00-4:00pm, Poor Billy’s, 201 N. Main St., Blacksburg
All you can eat buffet and day party. Enjoy food, music, and fun. Early bird tickets $10.00, admission at the door $15.00. Contact vtbgso@gmail.com or call (804) 683-0949 for questions or to purchase a ticket.