Weekly Events:
1. WEEKLY DROP-IN SERVICES
2. WRITING STRATEGIES FOR GRADUATE WRITERS
3. RESEARCH REFUGEE PROJECT AT VT POLICY BRIEF LAUNCH
4. ASK THE ACADEMY: GTA WALK-IN ADVISING
5. FLAMENCO AND CLASSICAL SPANISH DANCE
6. GLC CAFÉ
7. INTERVIEWING SKILLS
8. KIDS’ NIGHT OUT
9. WHAT HAVE I GOTTEN MYSELF INTO
10. MAKING SPACE: RACE AND SOUTHERN CITIES IN THE CIVIL WAR ERA
11. INTERVARSITY GRADUATE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
12. INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY TAILGATE
13. LAIGSA TAILGATE PARTY
14. LUTHERAN TRADITIONAL DIVINE SERVICE
Administrative Announcements:
15. GLOBAL EDUCATION OFFICE SEEKING FELLOWSHIP MENTORS – 1st posting
16. COMMUNITY CHANGE COLLABORATIVE: MEETING UPDATE – 1st posting
17. STATISTICS SHORT COURSES OFFERED IN FALL 2018 – 1st posting
18. LIBRARY RESERVES INFO FOR GTAs – 1st posting
19. GRAD STUDENT REP SOUGHT FOR CEOD – 2nd posting
20. GSA SEEKS VOLUNTEERS FOR GRAD & PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL FAIR – 2nd posting
21. FALL 2018 ORIENTATION POWERPOINT SLIDES – 3rd posting
22. TAKE YOUR RESEARCH TO THE NEXT LEVEL WITH GRAD 5124 – 3rd posting
23. ACADEMY FOR GTA EXCELLENCE SEEKS MEMBERS – 3rd posting
Jobs:
24. GRA OPENING: GIS PROGRAMMER/ANALYST FOR 2018-19 – 2nd posting
Volunteers and research participants sought:
25. PAID VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE FOR KIDS AGES 7-14 – 1st posting
26. AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDENT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR ADHD STUDY – 1st posting
27. VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT TO RATE SERIOUSNESS OF WORKPLACE INFRACTION SCENARIOS – 1st posting
28. MINDFULNESS-BASED STRESS REDUCTION STUDY – 1st posting
29. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR STUDY ON FEAR OF DOGS IN YOUNG CHILDREN – 2nd posting
30. GSA 2018-2019 DEPARTMENT DELEGATES – 3rd posting
31. GRADUATE HONOR SYSTEM RECRUITING GRADUATE STUDENT PANELISTS – 3rd posting
32. CHILDREN & MOTHERS WHO EXPERIENCE ANXIETY WANTED FOR STUDY–3rd posting
Upcoming events:
— GRAD MINDFULNESS ON MONDAYS STARTING SEP 10
— WELLNESS EVENTS IN THE GLC
— FIRST PARENT SUPPORT LUNCHEON
— PhD 101: NAVIGATING GRADUATE SCHOOL AS AN UNDERREPRESENTED STUDENT
— STRESS MANAGEMENT FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS
— GLC HIKE TO TINKER CLIFFS
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: Thursday & Friday, 1:00-5:00pm, Green Room, GLC
– 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 Walk-In Advising Wednesdays, GLC Graduate Lounge and Thursdays, GLC Reading Room, 4:00-6:00pm
– Graduate writing assistance: Mondays, 9:30-11:00am and Tuesdays, 4:00-5:30pm, GLC, Room A https://www.lib.vt.edu/spaces/writing-center.html
2. WRITING STRATEGIES FOR GRADUATE WRITERS
Mondays, 9:30-11:00am and Tuesdays, 4:00-5:30pm, GLC, Room A
A PhD student in Engineering Education who works in the Writing Center as a graduate-level writing coach will be available to help you with multiple topics, from setting an agenda (writing planning and preparation) to diagnosing and working towards managing writing difficulties. The coach can also connect you to other writing center services such as writing groups and regular 1-on-1 writing coaching. Session can last up to 1.5 hours; you are limited to two of these special appointments at the GLC per semester. Ends Dec 2.
3. RESEARCH REFUGEE PROJECT AT VT POLICY BRIEF LAUNCH
Wednesday, Sep 5, 10:00am, Newman Library Multi-Purpose room
The International Refugee Research Project at the School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA) at Virginia Tech will launch a policy brief on refugee integration. The findings of the research, the result of two years of work between VT faculty, graduate students and alumni from disciplines across the university with international partners from Germany and Belgium, are impactful on a global scale and includes recommendations for governmental and non-governmental agencies working on refugee issues.
Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/refugee-project-data-for-smart-policy-brief-launch-tickets-45767670334?utm_term=eventurl_text or contact Georgeta Pourchot, georgeta@vt.edu, for more information.
4. ASK THE ACADEMY: GTA WALK-IN ADVISING
Wednesdays, GLC Graduate Lounge, 4-6pm & Thursdays, GLC Reading Room, 4-6pm
If you have questions about teaching, grading or challenges in the classroom, drop by to chat, share experiences, and get advice from Fellows of the Academy for GTA Excellence. Light refreshments will be provided; bring your own mug if you can. You can also send questions to http://vtgrate.org/ask-a-fellow/.
5. FLAMENCO AND CLASSICAL SPANISH DANCE
Wednesday, Sep 5, Squires 116, 7:00-8:00pm
Do you want to learn how to dance Flamenco, Tango, Fandango and other forms of classical Spanish dance? Then come join ‘Ole at VT’ for their practice sessions and discover the beautiful world of Spanish music, dance and culture. No prior experience with Spanish dance or dance partner required. Free and open to all. Held every Wednesday.
6. GLC CAFÉ
Thursday, Sep 6, 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.
7. INTERVIEWING SKILLS
Thursday, September 6, 4:15pm, GLC Room F
Learn how to be prepared for initial screening interviews as well as on-site interviews at this session led by Alyssa Rametta in Career and Professional Development.
8. KIDS’ NIGHT OUT
Thursdays, 6:30-8:30pm, VT Women’s Center, 206 Washington St., B’burg
Join us at the VT Women’s Center (206 Washington Street) on Thursdays throughout the semester for an evening of FREE childcare. We welcome kids aged 2+ (must be potty trained) for fun activities with our volunteer sitters. For additional information, and to sign up, visit the doodle poll at: https://doodle.com/poll/fmty2reb665irg6m. Please note that spots are limited. Contact Jessie Meltsner at jmelts@vt.edu for more info.
9. WHAT HAVE I GOTTEN MYSELF INTO
Friday, September 7, 12-1:30pm, 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! Come meet fellow graduate students, new and returning, to talk about this exciting—and often overwhelming—life adventure. Pizza will be provided. Sign-up here: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6m7DzjPztXisinX
10. MAKING SPACE: RACE AND SOUTHERN CITIES IN THE CIVIL WAR ERA
Friday, Sep 7, 12:15pm, GLC Room F
Grad student John Legg invites you to a free lecture by Caitlin Verboon, the VCCWS postdoctoral associate for the 2018-19 year. For more information, go to: https://www.roanoke.com/calendar/books_talks/making-space-race-and-southern-cities-in-the-civil-war/event_2662bf50-ad43-11e8-8608-5cb9017befd0.html.
11. INTERVARSITY GRADUATE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
Friday, Sep 7, 6:30-9:00pm, GLC Room F
We are a welcoming, student-led community that explores how Christian faith informs our lives, academics, and professional work. We gather weekly for Bible study and twice-monthly for encouraging social events as we face the ups and downs of graduate school. All are welcome to join us for free pizza and games at our first social gathering. For more info about our weekly Bible studies, visit: https://gcfvt.wordpress.com/small-groups/
12. INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY TAILGATE
Saturday, Sep 8, 11:00am-1:00pm, Graduate School Lawn
International students and scholars are invited to the this all-American ritual before football games: enjoy free food, play games, and learn about American football (not soccer). This is a family-friendly event co-hosted by the Graduate School, Cranwell Intl Center, Global Education, International Support Services, and the Language and Culture Institute. Please register at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_71xhTsqbPqGloP3 if you are planning to attend to help organizers estimate the necessary amount of food to purchase.
13. LAIGSA TAILGATE PARTY
Saturday, Sep 8, 11:00am-2:00pm, Perry St Parking lot.
Are you ready for some football? Let’s Tailgate with LAIGSA and cheer together. Music, lawn games, snacks, some hot dogs and soft drinks will be provided. We will also have a hot grill running so feel free to bring anything you want to cook and/or drink.
14. LUTHERAN TRADITIONAL DIVINE SERVICE
Sunday, Sep 9, 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:
15. GLOBAL EDUCATION OFFICE SEEKING FELLOWSHIP MENTORS – 1st posting
Any VT graduate student who has received a national fellowship in the past (Fulbright, Boren, Marshall, Goldwater, NSF-GRFP, etc.) and would be interested in serving as a resource for future candidates, please contact Betty Anderson in the Global Education Office (betty.anderson@vt.edu). Activities include speaking at info sessions, application review, one-on-one mentoring, etc. Time commitment is minimal and flexible based on participants’ schedules.
16. COMMUNITY CHANGE COLLABORATIVE: MEETING UPDATE – 1st posting
Based on the results of the poll, the new regular meeting day will be weekly on Thursday at 11:00am in the GLC. All meetings will be in Room C with the following exceptions: Sep 6 – Room B; Sep 13 – Room F; Sep 27 – No Meeting; Oct 11 – Room B. If needed, go to the information desk in the GLC for the meeting location.
17. STATISTICS SHORT COURSES OFFERED IN FALL 2018 – 1st posting
The Statistical Applications & Innovation Group (SAIG) is offering a number of two-hour short courses for graduate students that cover a variety of statistical methods in platforms like R and JMP. To find out more details about the short courses and sign-up, go to https://app.nli.tlos.vt.edu/ and search for “SAIG” in the Sponsor field. For more information about SAIG and the other free services available, visit https://saig.stat.vt.edu/
18. LIBRARY RESERVES INFO FOR GTAs – 1st posting
Nearly 500 assigned textbooks are available for 2 hours, 2 days or 7 days via Library Course Reserves https://catalog.lib.vt.edu/cgi-bin/koha/opac-course-reserves.pl and eBook versions for some additional course textbooks can be found by searching the Library’s Discovery Search at: https://lib.vt.edu. Suggestions that the Libraries purchase a textbook and put it on reserve for a particular course can be sent to at https://vt.libsurveys.com/loader.php?friendly=textbook-purchase. Printed textbooks reported to the VT Bookstore and already owned by the library will automatically be added to the list of textbooks on Reserve. Questions? Contact reserve@vt.edu.
19. GRAD STUDENT REP SOUGHT FOR CEOD – 2nd posting
The Commission on Equal Opportunity and Diversity (CEOD) is seeking applicants for its graduate at-large position for a one-year term. Meetings are held once a month on Mondays 10:30am-12:00pm. In addition, participation on subcommittees (scheduled according to member availability) is expected. If interested, apply at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2o7SMVBiJokvx1X by 5:00pm on Friday, Sep 14. CEOD is a governance body that reports to the University Council. Learn more at http://www.governance.vt.edu/equal-opportunity-and-diversity.php.
20. GSA SEEKS VOLUNTEERS FOR GRAD & PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL FAIR – 2nd posting
The Graduate Student Assembly is seeking volunteers to help meet the demands for their annual Graduate and Professional School Fair (GPSF) on Monday, Sep 24 in the Squires Student Center. For your involvement, volunteers will be offered a meal ticket to participate in the catered dinner portion of the fair. If interested, sign up at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a0d4eacaf2ca7fb6-graduate. Email Joshua Slaughenhoupt (jslaugh@vt.edu ) with questions.
21. FALL 2018 ORIENTATION POWERPOINT SLIDES – 3rd 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.
22. TAKE YOUR RESEARCH TO THE NEXT LEVEL WITH GRAD 5124 – 3rd 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.
23. ACADEMY FOR GTA EXCELLENCE SEEKS MEMBERS – 3rd 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, Sep 16. Questions? Contact Katie Ayers (ayersk14@vt.edu) or leave a message on our Ask a Fellow page at http://vtgrate.org/ask-a-fellow/.
Jobs:
24. GRA OPENING: GIS PROGRAMMER/ANALYST FOR 2018-19 – 2nd posting
VT central IT’s Enterprise GIS team is seeking GRA 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, including developing scripts to automate GIS data management and server administration tasks; performing mapping and analysis; and developing and maintaining GIS-enabled web applications. Required experience: Python programming, Tools and APIs related to the ESRI ArcGIS platform. For other relevant experience and more details about the job, visit https://www.gis.vt.edu/jobs/. To apply, forward a current resume and cover letter explaining interest in and qualification for the position as soon as possible to egisjobs@bev.vt.edu. Position open until filled.
Volunteers and research participants sought:
25. PAID VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE FOR KIDS AGES 7-14 – 1st posting
The Clinical Psychology program at VT has developed an assessment training opportunity for doctoral students. Graduate students enrolled in the Psychological Assessment course will be conducting psychological assessments of children/adolescents, ages 7-14, and their parents. Volunteers will be reimbursed $30 for their participation. These assessments are only for training purposes, not for clinical use. Participants must be available for three to four 3-hour sessions from Oct 10 through Nov 7, scheduled on an individual basis. Please contact Lauren Delk at ladelk@vt.edu for more information.
26. AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDENT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR ADHD STUDY – 1st posting
Participants needed to take part in confidential interview for a study exploring health behavior and health care utilization practices of African American adults who experienced adolescent symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Attention Deficit Disorder, or a behavioral disorder. Participants will receive a $10 gift card to thank them for their participation. You are eligible to participate in the study if you: 1) Identify as African American or Black; 2) are 18 years of age or older 3) are currently enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student; 4) have experienced first symptoms of ADHD or a behavioral disorder beginning before the age of 12. If interested, please complete this short 5-minute survey: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8ojGNYxbi9LQ3el. Direct questions about the study or eligibility to Marissa Lang at Lang.Marissa@gmail.com.
27. VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT TO RATE SERIOUSNESS OF WORKPLACE INFRACTION SCENARIOS – 1st posting
Graduate student volunteers needed for a study rating the seriousness of workplace infraction scenarios. The study will should take less than 20 minutes to complete and involves each scenario and rating it on a scale from 1 (minor) to 5 (serious). Study is being done entirely online and responses will be completely anonymous. If interested, go to https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9B3vAwlQlo4kbDD. Questions? Email Bethany at bbodo@vt.edu.
28. MINDFULNESS-BASED STRESS REDUCTION STUDY – 1st posting
The Psychology Department at Virginia Tech is currently conducting a research study examining a program designed to improve health and well-being. The program, called Mindfulness-Based-Stress-Reduction (MBSR), involves an 8-week class on meditation and mindful movement techniques such as tai-chi and yoga. Study will test the impact of MBSR on stress, emotion and attention functions, and on the physical factors that affect these processes. The purpose is to find out if MBSR classes will decrease negative emotions, increase attention, decrease stress levels and boost your immune system. For more information, go to www.scanlab.org/mbsr.pdf or email hokiemindfulness@gmail.com.
29. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR STUDY ON FEAR OF DOGS IN YOUNG CHILDREN –2nd posting
This treatment research study is for children ages 4-7 with a fear of dogs that interferes in their lives. Parents are provided with a children’s book designed to assist young children in becoming more comfortable around dogs and 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 fear level remains high, parents will be offered the opportunity to come in for additional treatment. Treatment is offered at no cost and families will be compensated for completing pre-treatment and follow-up assessment sessions. If interested, call the Child Study Center at 540-231-8276 or e-mail childstudycenter@gmail.com for further information.
30. GSA 2018-2019 DEPARTMENT DELEGATES – 3rd 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 6 at 5:00pm. Information about GSA and delegate responsibilities can be found on the GSA website (http://blogs.lt.vt.edu/graduatestudentassembly/).
31. GRADUATE HONOR SYSTEM RECRUITING GRADUATE STUDENT PANELISTS – 3rd 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.
32. CHILDREN & MOTHERS WHO EXPERIENCE ANXIETY WANTED FOR STUDY– 3rd 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. Participation includes 12 weekly therapy sessions at no cost 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.
Upcoming events:
GRAD MINDFULNESS ON MONDAYS STARTING SEP 10
Monday, Sep 10, 12:00-12:30pm, Derring 5071
Each meeting will consist of a short (about 5 mins.) guided mindfulness exercise followed by time to practice. It is not necessary to stay for the whole time. Here is a link https://app.stopbreathethink.org/to a cool free mindfulness app. Mindfulness http://www.mindful.org/ is a state of active, open attention on the present. When you’re mindful, you observe 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. Contact Lisa Whalen for more info at lashley@vt.edu.
WELLNESS EVENTS IN THE GLC
Wednesday, Sep 12, all day, GLC Health & Wellness Room (G)
Learn about events and resources that support your well-being and healthy life-style throughout the semester! Take advantage of a sampling of programs:
– 8:00-9:00am – Mindfulness session with Hokie Wellness
– 11:30-11:50am – Snacks and a walk to Burruss to participate in Walking Wednesdays
– 4:00-6:00pm – Well-Check event, including blood pressure screenings; functional movement screening; skin check; intro to wellness vocabulary in American Sign Language; meet Moose, the therapy dog; and learn about GLC resources. For more information and accommodations, email Lindsay Vander Molen, ltvander@vt.edu.
FIRST PARENT SUPPORT LUNCHEON
Wednesday, Sep 12, 12:00-1:30pm, GLC Room F
Please join us for the first Parent Support Luncheon of the year! Each month the Graduate School will host a FREE LUNCH event for any interested students and their families. There is no cost for this event, and spouses/partners and children are always welcome. Please sign up at: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0e4fabaa28a1ff2-september3 so that we can make sure to order enough food for everyone! This month we will be hearing from NRVCares about programs and resources available to parents and families in the New River Valley. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about these programs! For more information on NRVCares, click here. For more information, or questions about this and other luncheon events, email childcare@vt.edu
PhD 101: NAVIGATING GRADUATE SCHOOL AS AN UNDERREPRESENTED STUDENT
Wednesday, Sep 12, 6:00pm, GLC Room B
A panel discussion featuring Virginia Tech faculty, sponsored by the Multicultural Academic Opportunities Program and the Graduate School Office of Recruitment, Diversity, and Inclusion
STRESS MANAGEMENT FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS
Friday, Sept 14, 2pm, GLC Room B
Graduate work tends to bring out stress and anxiety in students and at times can feel overwhelming. If you want to learn how to manage and cope with stress, come to this stress management workshop designed specifically for graduate students. Sign-up at: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_a90B3kzLLvEi2qh Sponsored by Cook Counseling Center.
GLC HIKE TO TINKER CLIFFS
Sunday, Sept 23, 9:00am
Join the Graduate Fellows and other graduate students as they hike Tinker Cliffs, the third leg in the Triple Crown with 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_2mXTqjdDwixGzd3 If you have any questions, e-mail Athulya Simon at aasimon@vt.edu.